Isabella Carter
The definition of a city varies across the world. In general, a city is a large human settlement with a high population density, distinct from other settlements by its size, functions, and symbolic status. A city typically has a diverse economy, with most of its population working in non-agricultural sectors. Cities also tend to have complex systems for housing, transportation, sanitation, utilities, land use, production of goods, and communication. While there is no universally agreed-upon minimum population for a city, typical working definitions for small-city populations start at around 100,000 people, with common population thresholds for urban areas ranging from 1,500 to 50,000 individuals. Thus, a population of 1,000 would generally not constitute a city, falling more in line with the population sizes of hamlets, villages, or small towns.
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What You'll Learn
- Population size: The threshold for city status varies internationally, from 2,500 to 100,000
- Density: Cities are often characterised by high population density
- Local government: Cities usually have a local government structure, like a 'city council'
- Services: Cities provide services to citizens, such as sanitation and transportation
- Economic opportunities: Urban populations are rising as people move to cities for work
Population size: The threshold for city status varies internationally, from 2,500 to 100,000
There is no universal definition of what constitutes an "urban" area, and the thresholds for city status vary internationally. While some countries use minimum population thresholds, others use population density, infrastructure development, employment type, or the population of pre-defined cities.
In the United States, the distinction between a town and a city can be a matter of local government decision. Generally, a population of around 50,000 people is required to make a city in the US from an administrative perspective. However, some consider a metropolitan area with a population above 100,000 people to be a small city. For example, Helena, Montana, is considered a city by some despite having a metro population of about 80,000 people.
In China and India, towns and small cities are not considered urban. China uses a threshold of 100,000 inhabitants for urban areas, while India uses a threshold of 5,000 inhabitants, leading to most towns being classified as rural. Sweden and Denmark set this threshold even lower at 200 inhabitants, while Japan sets it much higher at 50,000.
The lack of a universal definition of "urban" and the variation in thresholds for city status across countries make it challenging to compare urban and rural areas internationally. The United Nations (UN) figures on global urbanization are widely referenced but are not without criticism due to the inconsistent definitions of "urban" across countries, resulting in potential inaccuracies in estimating the world's urban population.
To address these inconsistencies, organizations such as the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Bank have collaborated to develop a new people-based, global definition called the "Degree of Urbanization" to delineate cities, towns, and villages for international statistical comparison.
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Density: Cities are often characterised by high population density
There is no definitive population size that defines a city, and this can vary from place to place. However, cities are often characterised by high population density. Population density is a measure of the average number of people living in a given area, typically per square mile or square kilometre.
Cities with high population densities are often considered to be overpopulated and may face challenges such as a lack of housing and infrastructure, increased traffic congestion, higher rent prices, and limited space. These issues can impact the quality of life for residents and may require careful urban planning to address.
The World Population Review and other sources have ranked cities by their population density, with Manila, Philippines, topping the list at 119,600 people per square mile or 46,178 people per square kilometre. This density is even more striking when compared to Manila's total population of 1.8 million, indicating that high population density does not always correlate with a large overall population.
Other densely populated cities include Pateros in the Philippines, with 94,400 people per square mile in an area of less than one square mile, resulting in a total population of 65,000. Mandaluyong, also in the Philippines, has a density of 90,460 people per square mile, while Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, has a density of 85,140 people per square mile and a total population of about 7 million.
While density is a significant characteristic of cities, it is just one factor, and other considerations such as infrastructure, services, and legal designations also play a role in defining what constitutes a city.
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Local government: Cities usually have a local government structure, like a 'city council'
There is no universal rule for what constitutes a city in terms of population size. However, in the US, a population of around 50,000 is often considered the threshold for a city, though this varies and smaller jurisdictions may rely on the county or state to perform certain government functions. In New York, the smallest city has only 4,000 residents, while Helena, Montana, is considered a city with a metro population of about 80,000 people.
Cities typically have a local government structure, and the form this takes can vary. In the US, the two most common forms of local government structure are the mayor-council system and the council-manager system. In the mayor-council system, the mayor is elected separately from the council and has significant administrative and budgetary authority. The council maintains legislative powers and can enact laws and policies, consistent with state law, regulating local and municipal affairs. In the council-manager system, the council has similar powers, but a professional manager maintains limited administrative authority instead of a mayor. This system is more common in older, larger cities and very small cities.
The Republic of China, for example, has three levels of local government: special municipality governments, provincial city governments, and county governments, with councils at each level. Similarly, Turkey has two levels of local government: provinces and districts, with a total of 957 districts. Each province is divided into districts, and each district has a People's Committee (executive), a People's Council (legislative), and a People's Court (judiciary).
In some cases, cities may have a unique administrative status within their country. For example, the city of Minsk in Belarus has a special status as the country's capital. It is administered separately from the six regions that make up the rest of the country. Similarly, the capital city of Zagreb in Croatia has the authority and legal status of both a county and a city.
The specific powers and functions of a city's local government are typically defined in a municipal charter, a legal document that outlines the organization and procedures of the city government. This charter can vary from city to city, and even within a single state, as local governments adapt to socioeconomic, demographic, and political changes.
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Services: Cities provide services to citizens, such as sanitation and transportation
There is no definitive population size that distinguishes a city from a town. While some sources suggest that a population of 50,000 is required to constitute a city, others argue that a city can have as few as 4,000 residents. The definition of a city is more flexible and depends on factors such as population density and the availability of certain services.
Services play a crucial role in defining a city. Cities typically provide a range of services to their citizens, often funded through taxation or other revenue streams. These services can include:
Sanitation
Sanitation services are essential for maintaining public health and quality of life in cities. This includes garbage collection, waste management, and sewage treatment. In some cases, cities may also provide recycling services or initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
Transportation
Cities often have comprehensive transportation systems, including public transport options such as buses, trains, subways, or light rail. These services help citizens navigate the city efficiently and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, cities may also maintain roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes to facilitate smooth transportation.
Utilities
City governments often play a role in providing essential utilities to residents. This can include electricity, gas, and water supply. In some cases, cities may also be involved in the management of telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that citizens have access to reliable phone and internet services.
Public Safety
Ensuring public safety is a critical function of cities. This includes providing fire protection and emergency medical services. While police services may be organised at a broader regional level, cities often contribute funding through local taxation to support law enforcement and maintain public order.
Recreational and Community Services
Cities often offer recreational and community services to enhance the quality of life for citizens. This can include parks, sports facilities, libraries, and cultural centres. These services provide opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and access to educational resources.
Healthcare
Although healthcare services may be provided by a combination of public and private entities, cities often play a role in ensuring access to healthcare facilities and services. This can involve funding public health initiatives, supporting hospitals, and promoting the well-being of residents.
It is important to note that the specific services provided by a city may vary depending on factors such as geographical location, cultural context, and the economic capabilities of the city.
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Economic opportunities: Urban populations are rising as people move to cities for work
There is no definitive answer to what constitutes a city in terms of population size. It varies from place to place and is often a matter of legal definition or cultural perception. In the US, for instance, some consider a population of around 50,000 to be necessary for a city, while others suggest a range of 100,000 to 400,000. In New York, a city is a legal designation regardless of population, and the smallest city in the state has only 4,000 residents.
Now, onto the topic of economic opportunities and urban population growth:
Urban populations are indeed rising, with more than half of the world's population currently living in cities, a significant shift from human history where most people resided in small communities. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population projected to more than double by 2050, resulting in around 70% of people living in cities.
There are several reasons for this urban influx, and economic opportunities are a key factor. Cities are centres of economic growth, contributing about 80% of global GDP and accounting for 88% of private sector job creation. They attract people with the promise of increased job prospects, better pay, and higher individual wealth. Urban areas also offer centralised markets, making it more convenient for people to access goods and services.
However, the rapid pace of urbanisation presents challenges. Cities need to address the demand for better jobs, efficient infrastructure, and affordable housing. Over 1 billion people live in slums or informal settlements, facing issues such as lack of sanitation, water, security, and employment. The pressure on cities is further intensified by rising global conflict, with over half of forcibly displaced people settling in urban areas.
To address these challenges, national and local governments play a crucial role. By investing in urban infrastructure and services, governments can promote sustainable development and economic growth. The World Bank, for example, has financed projects that improve basic services and economic opportunities, such as constructing roads, markets, and bus stations to enhance transportation and trade. These efforts contribute to the UN's 11th Sustainable Development Goal of making cities "inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable."
In summary, the rising urban populations are driven by economic opportunities, and cities are indeed engines of economic growth. However, careful planning and investment in infrastructure are necessary to ensure that these opportunities are accessible to all and that the challenges of urbanisation are addressed.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no universal rule for a place to be considered a city, but the World Bank's Degree of Urbanization defines a city as an area with a population of at least 50,000 inhabitants in contiguous dense grid cells (>1,500 inhabitants per km2).
Population size and density are the main factors in distinguishing a city from a town or rural area. However, the definition of a city can also depend on the country and its governing body. For example, China defines urban areas as those with a population of at least 100,000 inhabitants, while India uses a threshold of 5,000 inhabitants.
Not necessarily. Some cities, like St. Louis, Missouri, or Madison, Wisconsin, have populations of less than 300,000 but are still considered cities. The smallest city in New York only has 3,000 residents.
Classifying an area as a city can have fiscal and administrative implications. For example, in India, being reclassified as urban may cause places to lose government transfers, while in Egypt, it may trigger additional public investment for higher-level service delivery requirements.
