The United Nations has described urbanisation as the “most certain” megatrend shaping our time. From 2022 to 2050 the share of the world population living in urban areas is set to increase from 57% to 70%. The pace of urbanisation differs significantly across regions.
In Europe, Oceania, Latin America and Northern America, urbanization will continue at a slower pace from an already high level. Meanwhile, Africa and Asia will experience more rapid growth from a lower present level.
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Sources:
- Figure adapted from World Bank "Silver Hues : Building Age-Ready Cities".
- United Nations projections for urbanization: "World Urbanization Prospects"
- United Nations Report on megatrends: "Shaping the Trends of Our Time"