World rate of Urbanization and future projection
The
rate of growth of the world urban population is slowing down. Between 1950 and
2011, the world urban population grew at an average rate of 2.6 per cent per
year and increased nearly five-fold over the period, passing from 0.75 billion
to 3.6 billion. During 2011-2030, the world urban population is projected to
grow at an average annual rate of 1.7 per cent, which, if maintained, would
lead to a doubling of the urban population in 41 years. During 2030-2050, the
urban growth rate is expected to decline further to 1.1 per cent per year,
implying a doubling time of 63 years.
Figure : World
rate of Urbanization and future projection
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Source:
United Nations- World Urbanization Prospects: The 2011 Revision
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From the Map below it has been observed that during
1950-55, the urban growth rate was higher in those parts of the world which we
call now MDCs. During 2000-2005 we have found the rate of urbanization became
more or less stagnant in the developed countries even in some areas urban
growth fell below zero. So it could be projected that in future during
2045-2050 counter urbanization will occur in many parts of the world while in
some areas urbanization will continue to rise.
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| Map : Rate of urbanization (worldwide) in different period |
