An urban area is characterized by its population density and its infrastructure.
The definition of an urban area varies according to the country in which it is described. Generally, an urban area is considered to be characterized by being permanently inhabited by more than 2,000 inhabitants .
The updating of urban development models has caused population density , geographical extension and the planning and creation of infrastructure to combine to be key factors in the delimitation of this type of areas.
Characteristics of an urban area
Although it is not correct to generalize, it can be said that urban areas tend to have a higher surface price and a lower presence of employment in the primary sector than rural areas . On the other hand, urban areas offer a greater range of resources for people's survival.
In this sense, it must also be emphasized that increasingly the different authorities of these cities are working at full capacity to ensure that their inhabitants not only have a greater number of resources to survive but also that they have the necessary mechanisms to enjoy greater quality of life.
We are trying to achieve this higher quality of life, for example, through technology. As? Developing an endless number of projects and initiatives that make it easier for citizens to carry out various tasks in their daily lives and also enable them to enjoy a much healthier environment.
The use of technology aims to improve the quality of life in urban areas.
Technology to improve quality of life
Clear examples of this are what are called smart cities. These are cities that are incorporating a series of technological systems that achieve the two types of objectives mentioned. Thus, for example, they are being implemented from devices that inform them where there are free parking spaces to electric cars that considerably reduce gas emissions that cause pollution.
And all this without forgetting the use of renewable energies that is being imposed in these cities in which sunlight, wind energy or even the movements of the inhabitants are used to generate the energy that is needed without having to do anything. use of existing resources and that bring with them greater degradation of our natural environment.
Economy of the urban area
Urban areas such as cities usually stand out for the development of their secondary ( industrial ) and tertiary ( services ) sectors. While the products and services of the city influence the behavior of the countryside , it supplies agricultural and livestock goods to the urban regions.
In general, the urban space exceeds the limits of the city itself , since large peripheral metropolitan areas usually develop around it.
The demographic index
It should be noted that, according to experts, the urbanization rate constitutes the demographic index that allows calculating and knowing the percentage relationship that exists between the urban population (that is, those who live in cities) and the total population of a nation. The higher this number, the higher the level of development is assumed.
Another fact to keep in mind: starting with the Industrial Revolution , the urban population began to experience constant growth. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that, as of this year, the world population is divided between 50% rural population and 50% urban population.