#AP Human Geography: Urbanization Study Guide 🏙️

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#1. Urbanization: The Big Picture

#What is "Urban"? 🤔

• Urban Area: A central city + surrounding suburbs, with at least 50,000 people.
• Urban Cluster: Smaller urban area with 2,500-50,000 people.
• Urbanization: The shift of populations from rural to urban areas and how people adapt to these changes. 💡

#2. Mega vs. Meta Cities: Size vs. Influence

#Megacities: Giants by Population 📈

• Definition: Urban areas with over 10 million people.
• Characteristics: Large, complex, diverse, economic/political/cultural hubs.
• Examples:

  • Tokyo, Japan: The most populous city globally (37+ million).

  • New York City, USA

  • Mumbai, India

  • São Paulo, Brazil

  • Mexico City, Mexico

  • Shanghai, China

  
  Megacities are often centers of intense economic activity and cultural exchange.

#Metacities (Global Cities): Powerhouses of Influence 🌐

• Definition: Major players in the global economy, connected through economic, cultural, and political links.
• Characteristics: Centers of innovation, influence global trends.
• Examples:
  • London, UK: A major global financial, cultural, and political center.
  • Paris, France
  • Hong Kong, China
  • Singapore
  • New York City, USA (overlaps with megacity)
  • Dubai, UAE