What is urbanization primarily characterized by?

Urbanization is primarily characterized by an increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. This phenomenon often occurs as individuals migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities, improved living conditions, and access to services such as healthcare and education. As cities grow and develop, the demographic shift leads to a concentration of populations in urban settings, transforming spatial patterns of living and working.

The increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas indicates not only a growth in urban population but also reflects broader social, economic, and infrastructural changes associated with urban development. This trend is usually accompanied by significant societal shifts, including changes in lifestyle, economic production, and cultural dynamics, as urban centers become hubs of activity and innovation.

In contrast, the decline in rural population is a consequence of urbanization but does not encapsulate the essential aspect of what urbanization signifies. Similarly, the rise in agriculture-based economies and reduction in industrial activities would not typically characterize urbanization, as urban areas frequently center around industrial and service-oriented economies rather than agricultural ones.