What is meant by "urban sprawl"?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, often leading to the development of low-density residential, commercial, and industrial zones. This phenomenon typically occurs when cities experience rapid population growth and there is a demand for housing, resulting in neighborhoods extending outward from the city center into the surrounding countryside.

Consequently, urban sprawl can lead to a range of challenges, including increased traffic congestion, loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, and higher infrastructure costs. It contrasts with planned urban development, which seeks to create orderly and efficient growth patterns. By understanding urban sprawl in this context, one can appreciate the complexities of managing urban growth in a sustainable manner.