Comparing Urban Population Growth: Less Developed Countries in the Last 50 Years and the 19th Century Britain

Abstract

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in urban population, soaring from 1 billion to 2.9 billion in the latter half of the 20th century, and further reaching 3.6 billion in 2010. Over half of the global populace now resides in urban areas, marking a tripling of the urban population within the last half-century. This substantial growth in urbanization is a significant global demographic shift. The World Bank's data reveals this upward trajectory through a compelling line graph, illustrating the burgeoning urban population from 1960 to 2015. Notably, this phenomenon is not confined to a specific region or category. "Less Developed Countries" (LDCs) have undergone a parallel surge in urban population, reminiscent of the urbanization wave experienced by Britain during the 19th century. This essay aims to delve into a comparative analysis of these burgeoning urban populations, focusing on their contexts, underlying causes, and far-reaching effects. By examining these aspects, a comprehensive understanding of the global urbanization phenomenon and its implications on societies, economies, and environments will be elucidated.