Large size, high density, and social heterogeneity.

A city with a population of 10 million or more.

A ranking of settlements based on size and importance, from hamlets to megalopolises.

Cities that are major players in the global economy with significant global influence.

A large urban region formed by the merging of multiple cities and suburbs.

The most important global cities, centers of innovation and international institutions.

Important global cities, ranked below Alpha cities, with regional influence.

Important regional centers, less significant in global influence than Alpha or Beta cities.

A diverse mix of people with different backgrounds, jobs, and cultures in a city.

A large city that is the economic, cultural, and political center of a region.

Increased economic, political, and cultural power; greater innovation and economic growth.

Significant global influence, high economic activity, and connectivity to other global centers.

Increased pollution, inequality, congestion, and strain on resources and infrastructure.

Strong economic activity, concentration of international institutions, and major transportation hubs.

Diverse cultures, innovation, and complexity, but also potential for social stratification and inequality.

Urban sprawl, economic linkages, and transportation networks connecting multiple cities and suburbs.

Strong influence on regional and national economies, but also faces challenges like congestion and pollution.

Important regional center with less significant global influence, focusing on regional industry and commerce.

Increased economic activity, cultural exchange, and connectivity, but also potential for increased inequality.

Efficient use of space, but also potential for increased pollution, crime, and strain on resources.

Alpha cities are the most important global cities, while Beta cities are important but ranked below Alpha.

Megacities have populations over 10 million, while small cities have populations under 1 million; megacities have greater global influence, while small cities offer higher quality of life.

Cities have populations of 100,000+, diverse industries; towns are smaller with less infrastructure.

World cities are major players in the global economy, while Gamma cities are important regional centers.

A metropolis is a large city, economic center of a region. A megalopolis is multiple merged cities.

A hamlet is a small, rural settlement, while a city has a large population, high density, and social heterogeneity.

Alpha cities have a major influence on the global economy, while Gamma cities have a more regional economic focus.

Megacities face challenges like pollution and inequality, while smaller cities may face challenges like limited economic opportunities.

World cities have high levels of global connectivity, while regional towns have limited global connections.

Alpha cities have a greater cultural influence on global trends, while Beta cities have a more regional cultural influence.