urbanisaatio

Urbanisaatio, or urbanisation, is the process by which an increasing share of a population lives in urban areas. It is commonly expressed as the urbanisation rate—the proportion of people living in cities—and the growth of urban agglomerations. It results from rural-to-urban migration, higher birth rates in urban areas, and the expansion of city boundaries and land use to accommodate growing populations.

Key drivers include industrialisation, economic development, and the concentration of jobs and services in cities. Infrastructure, education, and policy also influence urban growth, while globalization and technology shape city functions and attractiveness.

Impacts can be positive or negative. On the positive side, urbanisation often increases economic productivity, innovation, and access to services. On the negative side, it can lead to housing shortages, rising costs, congestion, pollution, social inequality, and the growth of informal settlements. Urbanisation can strain infrastructure and natural resources but can also improve resource efficiency and service delivery if well managed.

Regional patterns and policy responses vary. Urbanisation is uneven; high-income countries urbanised earlier, while many developing regions experience rapid growth. Policy aims typically focus on housing, transport, infrastructure, land use planning, and climate resilience to manage growth and reduce negative effects.

In Finland, urbanisation has concentrated in major urban regions such as Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and Oulu, shaping regional development, housing markets, and service provision.