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The rapid growth of cities in the developing world has led to social and economic problems - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 30 - 2006
Question 30
The rapid growth of cities in the developing world has led to social and economic problems. Examine any two such problems, referring to examples you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The rapid growth of cities in the developing world has led to social and economic problems - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 30 - 2006
Step 1
Identify two social problems
Answer
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Overcrowding: Rapid urbanization leads to overcrowding in cities, resulting in inadequate housing and high levels of informal settlements or slums. For example, cities like Dhaka in Bangladesh experience severe overcrowding, where a significant portion of the population resides in slums lacking proper sanitation facilities.
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Increased Crime Rates: Rapid urban growth can also lead to an increase in crime due to socioeconomic disparities and lack of opportunities. For instance, in cities like Rio de Janeiro, the growth of favelas has contributed to rising crime rates, including gang violence and drug trafficking.
Step 2
Identify two economic problems
Answer
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Unemployment: With many people migrating to urban areas in search of better opportunities, cities often face a high unemployment rate due to the inability to create enough jobs. In cities like Nairobi, Kenya, this has led to a growing informal sector, where many work outside the protection of formal labor laws.
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Strain on Infrastructure: Rapid population growth puts immense pressure on existing infrastructure, leading to inadequate transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities. In cities like Lagos, Nigeria, the insufficient infrastructure results in gridlock traffic, limited access to education, and overwhelmed healthcare systems.