Title: Factors influencing Growth of Cities around the World
Headings: Factors influencing Growth of Cities around the World
Factors influencing Growth of Cities around the World
(i) Surplus Resources:
(ii) Industrialization and Commercialization:
(iii) Development of Transport and Communication:
(iv) Economic Pull of the City:
(v) Educational and Recreational Facilities:

Content: Formerly, aggregations of peoples were found along the river valleys, where the land was fertile and flat. But today they are found near the sources of coal and iron. The use of scientific methods and of machinery driven by electricity or the combustion engine in production of goods has now enabled one-quarter of population to support the other three quarters, whereas a century ago three-quarters were required to feed one-quarter. Cities now grow without much reference to the agricultural lands. ADVERTISEMENTS: While industrialization has stimulated city growth, trade and commerce also have played an important part in urban expansion. In ancient civilizations too cities grew wherein goods were distributed and commercial transactions were carried. Thus, Athens, Sparta, Venice, Pataliputra (Modern Patna) were great trading centres. In modern times, the development of modern marketing institutions and of methods of exchange has greatly contributed to the growth of cities. Today face to face commercial transactions need not be carried in big cities but the mere fact that a large percentage of their residents are engaged in “paper” enterprises is a significant factor to add to the city growth.