Mexico City
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Population growth:
- Population exceeds 17.5 million - Rapid rate of urbanisation/rural-urban migration - Rural-urban migration continues at about 1000 migrants a day. - Has a young population, and as a result a high rate of natural increase - Birth control campaigns are hindered by religious beliefs (anti-birth control) and machismo. - Reasons for rural-urban migration include: - Seeking work - Displacement - Chance for a better/longer life - Public utilities, education and health services Social and spatial inequalities - A dichotomy exists between the affluent section of the population and the poorest section of the population - Rich: – Live in palatial mansions – Enjoy entertainment such as operas, orchestras, bullfights, etc. - Poor: – Thousands of beggars – Rubbish pickers - go through and sell rubbish – 28% of families live in single roomed homes (generally 5per family) – 47% of families lack the necessary income to purchase or rent a dwelling – Urban poor have been forced to construct their own dwellings in self-help settlements With a population of 18 million, the Mexico City Metropolitan Area ranks as one of the world's largest "megacities." Rapid and haphazard urbanization, however, has led to myriad problems: informal housing settlements and slums, a chaotic pattern of land use, severe traffic congestion, and chronic air pollution. The city cannot meet the growing transport needs and health requirements of its citizens. Challenges of living in Mexico City • Unemployment • Poverty • Lack of housing • Traffic congestion • Air pollution • Earthquakes • Subsidence • Inadequate urban infrastructure |
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