It's an urban world, after all

While the timing may differ, everyone is agreed that imminently, more than half the population of the Earth will live in cities. Thoraya Obaid, executive director of the UN Population Fund, proclaims that this will happen next year, as reported in The Guardian.

The article is accompanied by a superb infographic which shows at a glance the urbanised areas of the world. Surprise is that Venezuela is the most urbanised country in the world, with 94% living in cities. The UK and Argentina come in second at 90%. Of course, city-states like Singapore probably score 100%, but that's not the point.

Comments

[richard]

What do you think of the Pentagram show at Tate Modern?
http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/globalcities/default.shtm

I was fascinated by the idea of the comparative densities of cities, Mumbai being something like 10xLondon. They had graphs fleshed out in plywood, slightly disapointing from a sculptors' pov. Density is such a rich idea.

[marty]

Richard,

Thanks for the comment.

I haven't been to the Tate exhibition yet - but I'm sure I will. Most occasions I go to Tate Modern I don't get further than peoplewatching in the cafe - the comedy of middle class manners. It's pure theatre, itellya.

For a great book about comparative densities of cities, I'd recommend the Metropolitan World Atlas by Arjen van Susteren and Joost Grootens (published by 010 in the Netherlands - and just reprinted).