Metrópoli

Metrópoli is a term of Greek origin, derived from "meter" meaning mother and "polis" meaning city. It refers to a large, sprawling urban area that is the dominant center of economic, political, and cultural activity within a region or country. Metrópoli are characterized by their high population density, extensive infrastructure, and diverse economic base, often including a significant service sector. They are typically surrounded by suburbs and exurbs, forming a metropolitan area that extends beyond the administrative boundaries of the central city.

The concept of a metrópoli highlights the interconnectedness of a large urban core with its surrounding territories, which often depend on the central city for employment, education, and services. These areas are major hubs for transportation, communication, and commerce, playing a crucial role in national and international economies. The development of metrópoli has been a defining feature of industrialization and globalization, leading to both opportunities and challenges, such as population growth, resource management, and social inequality. The term is often used interchangeably with "megalopolis" when referring to particularly large and complex metropolitan regions.