What is urbanization?

Urbanization refers to the process through which populations shift from rural areas to urban centers or cities. This phenomenon typically results from various factors such as economic opportunities, better access to services like education and healthcare, and the pursuit of improved living standards, all of which are often found in urban settings. As people migrate to cities, the urban areas grow larger and more densely populated, further influencing economic, social, and environmental dynamics within these regions.

The other options describe related but distinct concepts. For instance, the first option describes the opposite phenomenon of urbanization, where people move away from cities to rural areas. The option regarding urban governance structures focuses on political organization rather than population movement. Lastly, the movement of industries refers to economic shifts rather than the demographic changes that characterize urbanization.