Urbanization: An In-Depth Look at the Global Phenomenon Urbanization is one of the most significant transformations of the 21st century, shaping economies, environments, and societies worldwide. Defined as the process by which rural areas develop into urban centers, urbanization reflects the migration of people from less densely populated rural regions to more densely populated cities and towns. This trend is largely driven by the pursuit of better opportunities, whether in terms of employment, education, healthcare, or overall living standards. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, a stark contrast to earlier centuries when most of the population was based in rural areas.