Geography in the age of mega-cities

Since 1945, the world has witnessed rapid population growth and urbanization, particularly in developing countries. The recent emergence of mega-cities, or cities with a population of over 10 million, in these countries is notable. Some of these cities have grown to be crucial to the global economy, thanks to technological innovations, structural adjustments and transnational capital flows. A new class of cities - world cities - has emerged as they take on key functions apart from being demographic giants. World cities are examined as a group in the way they are related to one another and articulated with the global economy. These cities are interconnected in terms of manufacturing production, transport links and financial transactions. Me,oa-cities are examined in themselves, in how they have grown rapidly and in the problems they face by virtue of their population size, administrative complexity and international orientations. Specific examples are drawn in highlighting problems as related to the provision of basic urban services such as housing, water and the like, poverty and governance. This article concludes with an assessment of how mega-cities are likely to affect the world geography of the future.