Describe and explain the reasons for rapid growth in urban areas in LEDC'S and the problems involved.

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Describe and explain the reasons for rapid growth in urban areas in LEDC'S and the problems involved.

The cause of this rapid growth of urban areas in Sao Paulo is urbanisation; the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. Urbanisation happens because people move from rural areas (countryside) to urban areas (towns and cities). This usually occurs when a country is still developing.

1950

1990

World

30%

51%

MEDCs

53%

74%

LEDCs

17%

34%

Since 1950 the most rapid growth in urbanisation has occurred in LEDCs in South America, Africa and Asia. Between 1950 and 1990 the urban population living in LEDCs doubled. In developed countries the increase was less than half.

There are two main causes of urbanisation in LEDCs since 1950 are:

1. Rural to urban migration is happening on a massive scale due to population pressure and lack of resources in rural areas. These are 'push' factors.

2. People living in rural areas are 'pulled' to the city. Often they believe that the standard of living in urban areas will be much better in