Demographic, Economic and Social Aspects:
The term urbanization is generally explained as the process by which large numbers of people start permanently residing in particular areas resulting in the formation of towns and cities. It thus refers to the shift of population from rural to urban areas, the corresponding increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas, and the ways in which societies adapt to this change in terms of social, economic and political processes. Though there is substantial debate on what constitutes urban, most of the time it is explained in terms of demographics and functional aspects. The definition of ‘urban’ varies with time and country. The United States, for instance, uses “urban place” to mean any locality where more than 2,500 people live. In Peru the term is applied to population centres with 100 or more dwellings. In India according to 2011 census of India the definition of ‘Úrban Area’ refers to the following aspects:
i) All places with a municipal corporations, municipalities, municipal committees, cantonment board or notified town area committee, etc. referred to as Statutory Towns of the concerned State/UT Government, irrespective of their demographic characteristics as reckoned on 31st December 2009.
ii) All other places which satisfied the following criteria:
a) A minimum population of 5,000;
b) At least 75 per cent of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits; and
c) A density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km.
Demographic aspects:
The location of settlements governed by favourble physical settings results in changing its demographic concentrations. Population growth is rapid with natural increase as well as age-and sex selective male working immigrant population. This is well marked in major industrial towns of India while in western countries where areas of light manufacturing and service industries are marked by predominance of women labor force. The resultant effect is marked by high population densities over the period in these urban centers. Birth rates are generally lower in these towns with few exceptional towns.
Economic aspects:
In terms of organization of Economic activities in the settlement reflected through the nature of production processes, distribution and exchange through types of market and financial institutions that evolved. Dependency levels are relatively lower. Living standards are comparatively higher than its rural counterpart. Economic activities are more complex with diversification and specialization.
Social Aspects:
In view of Social aspects it is reflected in terms of structuring of social- cultural tradition such as religion, language and lifestyle. Specialization in professional and technical services determined by literacy and educational standards etc. Higher literacy levels, better opportunities and availability of recreational facilities are marked features of these urban centers.
Political aspects:
In terms exercising its political power represented through governance, rules and regulations, territorial limits for movement of people and trade, defense agreements and political barriers etc.
Basic Civic amenities:
Better and higher Educational facilities, supply of water and power, sanitation and sewer systems, open green spaces, gardens and playgrounds, recreational facilities are most additional factors of attraction for immigration of urban centers.
Infra-structure facilities:
In terms of network of transport and communication systems these are well developed and relatively cheaper, frequent, fast and comfortable in urban areas.
Thus the urban centers are heterogeneous and complex towns in term of demographic composition, economic and social structure.