What is urbanization?

Urbanization refers to the process in which there is a transformation of rural areas into urban areas, typically involving the increase in population density and the expansion of urban infrastructure. This process is often driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, migration for jobs, and the development of transportation networks, which collectively create an environment that attracts individuals from rural settings seeking better living conditions and employment prospects. Urbanization is a key aspect of modern development, shaping social, economic, and environmental dynamics in many parts of the world.

The other options describe different phenomena that do not align with the definition of urbanization. For instance, a reduction of city populations does not capture the essence of urbanization, which focuses on growth and development. Similarly, the rise of agricultural practices in urban environments and the migration of people from urban to rural areas represent trends that contrast with the urbanization process, which fundamentally involves the movement towards urban living and away from rural life.