CASE STUDY, Karachi the megacity

Question 1

Where is Karachi?

Answer 1

Southern Pakistan, borders Arabian sea, in Asia

Question 2

What are the 3 key facts about Karachi?

Answer 2

-Its an emerging megacity, with annual growth rate of 5%

-Generates over 25% of Paki total GDP

-Main industry=textiles, cement, steel

Question 3

What problems have been cause by Karachi’s rapid growth?

Answer 3

WATER SHORTAGES, due to up demand and insufficient infrastructure, 30% of Karachi’s water is lost via system leaks. According to WB Paki is one of most water stressed countries

UNPLANNED SETTLEMENTS, UN estimates ~50% of pop live in slums. Orangini town in Karachi is Asia’s largest slum and home to ~2.4m

TAX AVOIDANCE, ~75% of slum dwellers do informal work=govt receive no taxes from them, insufficient funding to spend on healthcare etc…

Question 4

Why did Karachi become a mega city?

Answer 4

Large ports airports giving it facilitated access to export goods and trade