World Cities

Question 1

Define World City

Answer 1

A city that acts as a major centre for finance, trade, business, politics,
culture, science, publishing and all
associated activities – serving not just a
country or region. Known as ‘Hubs’ of…

Question 2

Define Mega City

Answer 2

Metropolitan area with a total
population in excess of 10 million. The density is normally over 2 000
persons/km². It can be made up of
two or more metropolitan areas that
converge upon one another. Less than 25%
are in MEDCs

Question 3

Define Million City

Answer 3

A city with over a million inhabitants.

There were 80 in 1950 but now there are 340, can also be called million cities

Question 4

Describe World Cities

Answer 4

• World cities are important on a global scale.
• They account for 30% of the world’s economy and so are significant well beyond the country in which they are situated.
• They almost all located in HICs/MEDCs.
• They include London, New York and Tokyo

Question 5

What are the Characteristics of World Cities?

Answer 5

• Hubs of Business, Transport and Trade
• Production Hubs
• Political Hubs
• Migration Hubs

Question 6

Describe Political Hubs

Answer 6

World Cities have a power on a global scale and hold a seat of government (Westminster Houses of Parliament)

• World cities – through their politicians – often dictate trading and economic links between countries
• World cities influence and participate in international events e.g. GB summits and world affairs

Question 7

Describe Production Hubs

Answer 7

Most of the manufacturing and production of goods is in developing countries and NICs (newly industrialising countries), but many of the decisions about marketing and production across the world are made by TNCs, most of whose headquarters are located in world cities.

Question 8

Describe Hubs of Business, Transport and Trade

Answer 8

• Transport + Trade: World cities have good international transport links which allow them to trade with the rest of the world. Including international airports, excellent infrastructure, road/rail links, fibre optic and wifi connections (Heathrow largest in world, M25, HS1, Crossrail, Underground
• Business: TNC headquarters tend to locate here (BBC, Ernst and Young)

Question 9

Describe Migration Hubs

Answer 9

They tend to attract high numbers of people from other countries, including migrants, business visitors, students and tourists (Around 36% of London’s pop are migrants)