6.2 Cities Across the World

Ancient and colonial city origins

Early cities emerged in river valley civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, China) as centers of religion, trade, and political power. Later, colonial cities were built or transformed by European powers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, often featuring grid layouts, central plazas, and segregated zones for colonizers versus native populations — patterns still visible today.

Regional city models

Geographers created models to explain urban structure across regions: the Latin American city model (Griffin-Ford) shows a thriving spine/zone off the CBD; the Southeast Asian city model (McGee) lacks a formal CBD, centered on a colonial port; the African city model (de Blij) shows three CBDs (colonial, traditional, market); and Islamic cities feature a central mosque, souk, and walled quarters.

World cities and globalization

World cities (global cities) like New York, London, and Tokyo dominate global finance, culture, and politics, forming a hierarchy tied to globalization. Rapid urbanization in developing countries has produced megacities (10+ million) and metacities (20+ million), often outpacing infrastructure and creating vast squatter settlements.

Key terms

World city

A city with significant global influence over finance, culture, and politics (e.g., London, Tokyo, New York).

Megacity vs. Metacity

Megacity: 10+ million people; Metacity: 20+ million people.

Latin American city model (Griffin-Ford)

Features a CBD with a commercial spine/elite residential zone extending outward, surrounded by declining housing quality further out.

African city model (de Blij)

Shows three CBDs — colonial, traditional, and market — reflecting layered historical influences.

Squatter settlement

Informal, unplanned housing areas on city outskirts, often lacking infrastructure, formed by rapid urbanization.

Try an AP-style question

A megacity has more than…

1. 10 million people
2. 50 million people
3. 1 million people
4. 100,000 people