Reading: Why People Move to Cities

A In 1950, only about 20% of the world's 2.5 billion people lived in cities. The situation has altered markedly over the decades that followed. By 2025, approximately 45% of the world's 8.2 billion people live in cities. In global assessments, a city is formally counted as a settlement that contains at least 50,000 people. This expansion shows no sign of slowing down in the coming decades. Demographic models project that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's population growth will take place in cities.

B A noticeable aspect of this transformation is the rise of very large metropolitan regions known as megacities, defined as settlements with 10 million or more inhabitants. In 1975, there were only 8 such megacities across the entire globe. However, by 2025, the number of megacities had grown to 33. Geographically, this expansion is concentrated heavily in one global region, as 19 of the 33 megacities are located in Asia. Jakarta, with nearly 42 million people, is now the largest city in the world. It stands ahead of Dhaka, which has almost 40 million residents, and Tokyo, which holds third place with 33 million people.

C Despite the attention given to these giant capitals, most urban citizens do not reside in megacities. Of more than 12,000 cities studied worldwide, 96% have fewer than one million people, and 81% have fewer than 250,000. In fact, small and medium cities have more residents than all the megacities combined. Furthermore, these smaller urban areas are growing faster than the biggest hubs, especially in Africa and Asia. Yet, urban expansion is not completely universal across every territory. Not every city grows over time. Most shrinking cities actually have fewer than 250,000 inhabitants. Interestingly, more than one third of all shrinking cities are situated in China, demonstrating that demographic changes can vary widely depending on specific local contexts.

D While data explain the scale of movement, statistical records alone do not reveal personal motivation. When considering why individuals choose to relocate, I would argue that employment possibilities remain the central attraction. People seek diverse work environments where career mobility feels attainable. In addition, it seems that the desire for better services plays a major role in their decisions. Access to specialized medical clinics, structured public transit, and dependable utilities often contrasts with what rural life offers. Furthermore, I would argue that families move primarily to secure better education for their children, hoping schools and universities will unlock stronger futures. Even if city life brings noise and tight living conditions, it seems that hope for personal improvement continues to draw people toward urban areas.