Synonyms
Definition
An urban area can be defined as a geographical space characterized by a continuous urban settlement. It has a population density higher than the surrounding space, even though the values of the density significantly vary in different countries and according to various types of urbanization. Urban areas are composed of a central part, consisting of a more or less large city or town, and by surrounding suburbs. In European cities often urban areas which are centered on a major city include other towns that once were distinct but eventually have been incorporated through processes of agglomeration.
Description
The processes of urbanization that occurred during the twentieth century have produced a high concentration of population in cities and metropolitan areas both in developed and developing countries. It is estimated, in fact, that the world’s population living in urban areas in 2010 represents 52 % of the total population (The...
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Mela, A. (2014). Urban Areas. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3122
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3122
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