Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Urbanization refers to the increasing proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas. It involves the growth and expansion of cities due to factors like population growth and migration.
Related terms
Megacity: A megacity is an extremely large city with a population exceeding 10 million people.
Infrastructure: Infrastructure refers to physical structures necessary for society's functioning such as roads, bridges, buildings, water supply systems, and communication networks.
Suburban Sprawl: Suburban sprawl refers to the unrestricted spread of suburban development into neighboring rural areas.