What defines a megacity?

What defines a megacity?

• A. A city with more than 5 million people
• B. A city with a population of over 10 million people
• C. A city with extensive suburban areas
• D. A city known for its cultural diversity

Answer: (B)

A megacity is defined specifically as a city that has a population of over 10 million people. This definition is recognized by various international organizations, including the United Nations, and serves as a standard benchmark for understanding urbanization trends and the challenges faced by large urban centers. The significance of this population threshold lies in the immense social, economic, and infrastructure complexities that arise when a city grows to this size. Issues such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and the provision of services like healthcare and education become increasingly difficult to manage as population density rises. Cities of this scale are often focal points for global economic activity and innovation, but they also face unique challenges related to sustainability and livability. In contrast, while other options mention various aspects of city characteristics, none align with the specific definition of a megacity. A population of over 5 million does not meet the established criteria for a megacity, extensive suburban areas do not define a megacity's classification, and cultural diversity, though a hallmark of many large cities, is not an official measure of megacity status. Thus, the population figure of over 10 million is the key distinguishing factor defining a megacity.

A megacity is defined specifically as a city that has a population of over 10 million people. This definition is recognized by various international organizations, including the United Nations, and serves as a standard benchmark for understanding urbanization trends and the challenges faced by large urban centers.

The significance of this population threshold lies in the immense social, economic, and infrastructure complexities that arise when a city grows to this size. Issues such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and the provision of services like healthcare and education become increasingly difficult to manage as population density rises. Cities of this scale are often focal points for global economic activity and innovation, but they also face unique challenges related to sustainability and livability.

In contrast, while other options mention various aspects of city characteristics, none align with the specific definition of a megacity. A population of over 5 million does not meet the established criteria for a megacity, extensive suburban areas do not define a megacity's classification, and cultural diversity, though a hallmark of many large cities, is not an official measure of megacity status. Thus, the population figure of over 10 million is the key distinguishing factor defining a megacity.