What is the primary driver of urbanization worldwide?

The primary driver of urbanization worldwide is rural-to-urban migration. This phenomenon occurs as individuals and families move from rural areas, often seeking better economic opportunities, access to services, and improved living conditions in urban centers. The appeal of urban areas includes job prospects, educational facilities, healthcare, and social services that may not be as accessible in rural regions. As economies shift from agriculture-based to industrial and service-oriented, this migration is fueled by the need for labor in cities, contributing significantly to urban population growth.

Though climate change, technological innovation, and political instability can influence migration patterns and urban development, they do not serve as the main drivers of urbanization itself. Climate change may indeed push some populations to move, but the core of urbanization is rooted in the movement of people toward cities for economic advancement and better quality of life. Technological innovation can facilitate urban growth and development, but it does not directly cause people to migrate. Political instability can displace populations and lead to urban growth in some cases, but it is not universally the primary catalyst for urbanization across different regions of the world.