Urban and rural population size and growth at the country level

The previous chapter highlighted the similarities and differences across geographic regions and income groups with respect to the levels and trends of urbanization since 1950, as well as projections to 2050. While that broad aggregate analysis provides a useful summary of the past and future patterns of urbanization, it tends to disguise the considerable variation in the urban transition experience that exists across countries within geographic regions and income groups. To describe that variability, this chapter undertakes an analysis of country-level trends estimated from 1950 to 2018 and projected to 2050. Section A addresses the level of urbanization; section B describes the size and growth of the urban and rural populations; and section C summarises the rate of urbanization (the average annual rate of change of the percentage urban). Results highlight the substantial degree of heterogeneity in the past and future trends of urbanization both across and within geographic regions and income groups.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Sustainable Cities and Communities