Urbanization is the growth of towns and cities as more people live in urban areas. It includes the movement of people from rural areas to cities. City populations can also grow as more people are born there. Urban areas often become larger and more crowded over time.

Urbanization has happened in countries around the world, including regions in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Cities expand with housing, roads, services, and industries. New neighborhoods and buildings are added as populations grow.

Urbanization increased greatly during industrialization in the 1700s and 1800s. It continues today in many parts of the world. It is part of how human settlements change and develop over time.