Unit 2:Geographic Influences on Identity

Lesson 1

Megacities

Chapter 3Canada’s People

Page 49

Important Terms• Rural to urban drift

Moving from the country to the city

• UrbanizationChanging rural (country areas) into cities

• InfrastructureBuilding, roads, bridges, subways etc.

• Population density –the number of people per thousand living in a square mile.

• Site factors – the factors that draw people to a certain area.

What is a Megacity?

• Really big cities usually with more then 2000 people per km

• They grow so big that there is no longer enough of everything it takes to keep a city going.

What are some of the problems in

megacities?

Poor Water and Air Quality

• Water gets polluted

• Sometimes sewage and chemicals can get into the water

• Air can be very think and smoggy. Making breathing difficult.

Traffic• New York City

Poverty• Mexico City

Not Enough Electricity or Water

• Because the city grows fast and there are so many people. Sometimes certain areas have their power shut off at certain times.

• Some parts of the city do not have any electricity, water pipes, sewage pipes, or garbage disposal

Deteriorating Infrastructure

• Deteriorating infrastructure, which includes:

–Roads and bridges

–Adequate housing and

–Access to food

• Over population – when the population of an area exceeds the resources available.

Examples ofMega Cities

Hong Kong

Mexico City

Can you think of some other

megacities???

The Top 5 Global Megacities

• For the next 15 years the following cities will be The Top 5 Global Megacities:

1. London

2. São Paulo

3. Mexico City

4. Shanghai and

5. Buenos Aires

Did you Know????• Greater Tokyo in Japan has over 35 million

people!!!!!

• That’s more than the population of Canada

Megacity In Class Assignment

• Answer the following questions on your Megacity:1. In what region/country is your megacity?

2. What is the population?

3. How many languages are spoken? What is the main language?

4. What is the average temperature in the winter? What months does the winter season occur?

5. Is it a world financial centre?

6. What are the main industries in your city/ country?

7. Who is the head of the government in your Megacity and what is his/her position?

8. Is your city in a developed or developing country?

9. What are the major issues facing your megacity?

Megacity In Class Assignment

• Answer the following questions on your Megacity:10. Have there been any historical tragedies? If so, explain one tragedy.

Any revolutions?

11. What currency does your Megacity use? What is the exchange rate from Canadian dollars to your currency?

12. On average how much money is generated by tourism each year?

13. You have won a trip to your Megacity. Name 4 places you would like to visit there?

14. Present your findings to the class in PowerPoint on Tuesday April 8, 2014.