What does urbanisation refer to?

Urbanisation specifically refers to the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, typically as a result of migration from rural regions. This phenomenon is driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, better living conditions, and access to services and amenities that urban areas provide.

As more individuals and families move to cities for jobs, education, and healthcare, the overall demographic landscape shifts from predominantly rural to predominantly urban. This transformation can also lead to changes in social and economic dynamics, including increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and public services in urban settings.

The concept of urbanisation is closely related to a number of global trends, including industrialisation and globalization. These factors encourage the growth of urban centers as they develop into hubs for industry and commerce, further attracting migrant populations.

The other options do not accurately define urbanisation. For instance, an increase in the rural population would suggest a decline in urbanisation, while growth of suburbs describes a particular aspect of urban development but does not encompass the broader movement towards urban areas. A decrease in city land area does not reflect the process or implications of urbanisation, which is primarily about population shifts rather than changes in land usage.