GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

What are cities like? Definition

Function: The ‘function’ of a city is its purpose or what it is mainly used for. A

city’s function can change over time.

Examples of functions can be residential (housing), commercial (retail and business. In

the 60, 70s and 80s, this was in the form of markets or a port), financial, tourism,

entertainment and leisure.

Figure 1: Place-specific examples of historical city functions for locations within the UK

Function Example City

Market/commercial Watford

Docks Bristol

Resort Bournemouth

Manufacturing (steel) Sheffield

Manufacturing (cotton) Leeds

Manufacturing (steel) Port Talbot

Commercial Bristol

Port Cardiff

Case Study Example: Bristol, SW England

In the 17th Century, Bristol was home to some of the main collieries (coal mines) in the

South West of England. After these mines became nationalised (owned by the

government) the collieries went into debt and closed. Bristol also became famous in the

17th and 18th centuries with the wealth and prosperity brought about by the slave trade

and the Industrial Revolution. Later, the construction of the Floating Harbour in the 19th

centuries solved the problem of boats having to battle with the tidal passage up the

Avon Gorge. This, along with Isambard Brunel’s design of the Great Western Railway,

which connected Bristol to London, caused the population to grow fivefold in the 19th

century. Later, the port migrated downstream to Avonmouth.

Bristol’s heavy reliance on the manufacturing of tobacco and cigarette was one of the

iconic changes the city has experienced in its history. Bristol firm Imperial Tobacco

closed its last remaining UK factory in 2014. The world's fourth-largest tobacco

company, Imperial Tobacco, blamed the closure on falling demand for products and the

growth of the black market in the UK and Europe.

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The firm issued a statement that blamed the decision on "declining industry volumes in

Europe, impacted by tough economic conditions, increasing regulation and excise, and

growth in illicit trade".

Unite officer Rhys McCarthy said: "This is shocking news that will have a devastating

impact on not only hundreds of workers and their families, but also on the local

community.

"We will be giving full support to our members over the next two years before the site

closes at the latest in March 2016. What we were not expecting was the wholesale

closure of the Nottingham site and an end to Imperial Tobacco manufacturing

cigarettes in the UK and moving production to eastern Europe."

He added: "We believe that Imperial Tobacco is cynically using the EU directive as cover

to dump on UK workers and ship production to low-cost workers in eastern Europe.

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2) What is Urbanisation?

Definitions:

Urbanisation: The increase in the proportion of people living in cities. Rates of

urbanisation are particularly high in LICs.

World Cities: Cities which have the greatest influence on a global scale because of

their financial status and worldwide commercial power e.g. NY, London, Tokyo.

Megacities: Cities with populations of over 10 million people.

The pattern of urbanisation of the world’s cities over time can is shown on the map

linked here.

Figure 2a: Map to show cities with over 5 million people in 1955

In 1955, there were only 11 cities across the globe with a population of over 5 million

people. These cities included Chicago, NY and Los Angeles (USA), Buenos Aires

(Argentina), Paris (France), London (England), Moscow (Russia), Calcutta (India),

Shanghai (China) and Osaka-Kobe and Tokyo (Japan). There were no cities containing

over 5 million people in any country in Africa or in Oceania.

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Figure 2b: Map to show cities with over 5 million people in 2015.

Since 1955, there has been rapid growth of the cities in Asia. In 2015 there were 38

cities with a population of over 5 million people, compared to 4 in 1955. Most of these

rapidly growing cities are in China. Cities on the African continent are also growing

quickly. Lagos in Nigeria, Kinshasha in DRC, Khartoum in Sudan and Cairo in Egypt

grown since 1955, with populations of 16.1 million, 9.3 million, 6 million and 13.1 million

respectively.

Cities in Asia are growing rapidly for many reasons:

Many cities located on the coast are experiencing economic growth due to

trade. These cities are more accessible via shipping routes and therefore many

cities have grown up around ports.

Improved transport links in EDC cities means that travel to the city is now

easier. People are therefore able to reach the city more easily and move there to

live.

Rural-to-urban migration common in EDCs as people move to cities in

search of a better quality of life. Farming in rural areas is often based on

subsistence and quality of life is low. Many people living in rural poverty move to

urban areas to follow the ‘bright lights’ (excitement and hope) that they perceive

life in the city has to offer.

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Rapidly growing economies due to reliance on the secondary sector

(manufacturing) e.g. China. Many cities, such as Shanghai, have grown due to

ACs locating factories in EDCs because of cheaper labour and therefore higher

profit. Factory work allows migrants from the countryside to earn a higher wage

than they would in rural locations.

Greater economic growth of EDC cities causes greater rural-to urban

migration. As cities in EDCs grow and expand, this attracts more rural migrants

due to the increase in jobs available.

Additional notes on growth of cities to be added here.

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3) Causes and Consequences of Urbanisation

Definitions:

Rural-to-urban-migration: Movement of people from the countryside to the city.

This is most common in EDCs.

Internal growth: Growth of a city’s population due to higher birth rates than

death rates.

Push factor: These are reasons people want to leave the countryside, and are

always negative.

Pull factor: These are reasons people want to move to the city and are always

positive.

Push factors include:

Poverty in the countryside. Many rely on subsistence farming.

In war-torn countries, people move to cities before moving to a safer country.

Damage to the environment and climate change means that subsistence farming

is now more difficult.

Houses in the countryside are often of low quality.

Number of people relying on subsistence farming is increasing in low income

countries, so finding enough land to grow crops is difficult.

Pull factors:

Schools in LIDCs are thought to be better in cities than in the countryside.

Standard of living (how comfortably you are able to live) is better in the city.

People live a more comfortable life.

Finding a job is easier in the city than in the countryside, where jobs are often

seasonal.

Wages in LIDCs tend to be higher in the city than in the countryside.

Figure 3: Positive and negative consequences of urbanisation

Positive consequences (Benefits) Negative consequences (Problems)

Jobs in the city often pay more than

people earn through farming in the

countryside. This greater income helps to

support families of those working.

Vast areas called shanty towns have

grown up on the edge of cities. There are

an eye-sore and make the city look run-

down.

Urbanisation can cause cities to develop

and grow.

Conditions in shanty town are unsanitary.

There are often too few toilets and

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human waste is found in the streets.

People often defecate in the streams

where water is extracted for drinking.

Low-cost labour brings the price of goods

down in the city, meaning city-dwellers

can buy more goods for less money.

Jobs in the city are not guaranteed and

workers expect long hours, so migrants

have to work hard to survive.

People moving from rural to urban areas

provides a source of cheap labour for

business within the city.

People in shanty towns have little

electricity and no access to a clean water

supply. Water often comes from polluted

streams or gutters.

The poorest people end up living in dirty

and unsafe condition in shanty towns.

Conditions ate overcrowded and crime

can be a big problem.

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4) What is Copenhagen Like?

Location

Copenhagen is the capital city of the country of

Denmark. Denmark is a European country and borders

the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the

East.

The city of Copenhagen is found in the east of the

‘Capital Region’ state of Denmark and to the east of

Denmark’s mainland.

Introduction to Copenhagen

Today, Copenhagen has a population of over 1,280,371

(2016). At only an average of 14m metres above sea level, Copenhagen is a low-lying city

at risk of coastal flooding. Much of this area was carved out by glaciers in the last ice

age, while hilly areas can be found to the north and west of the city. Many of these

peaks reach over 50m in height. Close to the centre of the city are the lakes of

Sortedams Sø, Peblinge Sø and Sankt Jørgens Sø, also created during the ice age.

The ‘Lakes’ area of Copenhagen

Figure 4: Development indicators relating to

Copenhagen (Right)

History

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the

15th century. Following the Plague and raging fires in the 18th century, many parts of

Copenhagen were rebuilt. After World War 2, the Finger Plan initiated development

along the 5 main railway lines going into the centre of the city.

Climate

Climate in Copenhagen is cool and the region experiences moderate rainfall. July is the

hottest month in Copenhagen with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) and the

coldest is January at 0°C (32°F), with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 hours daily in

July. In the summer, daylight hours can exceed 17hours, but in winter, this falls to just

over 7 hours! The wettest month is June with an average of 60mm of rain.

Attractions

Due to its accessibility from mainland Europe and numerous attractions, much of

Copenhagen’s income is based around tourism. According to the national statistics

keeper Danmarks Statistik, there were a total of 2.3 million overnight stays during June

and July 2015 – an increase of 109,000 more than in 2014. Amongst the attractions are:

a) “The Little Mermaid”.

Unveiled on 23 August 1913, The Little Mermaid

was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the

City of Copenhagen.

The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and

was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy

tale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome

prince on land. Every morning and evening she swims to the surface from the

bottom of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, she stares longingly

towards the shore hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved prince.

b) Kronborg Castle

This castle is Denmark’s most famous,

known worldwide from Shakespeare’s

Hamlet.

Hamlet's spirit is still roaming the

hallways of Kronborg, and every summer

tourists can experience Hamlet

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Scenen perform Hamlet on an open air stage in the courtyard.

c) Nyhavn was originally a busy

commercial port where ships from

all over the world would dock. The

area was packed with sailors, ladies

of pleasure, pubs and alehouses.

Today the beautiful old houses have

been renovated and

classy restaurants dominate the old

port. Nyhavn is filled with people

enjoying the relaxed atmosphere by

the canal, jazz music and great food.

Why is Copenhagen Important to Denmark?

Tourism is a major contributor to Copenhagen's economy, attracting visitors due to the

city's harbour, cultural attractions and award-winning restaurants. Since 2009,

Copenhagen has been one of the fastest growing metropolitan destinations in

Europe.Hotel capacity in the city is growing significantly. From 2009 to 2013, it

experienced a 42% growth in international bed nights (total number of nights spent by

tourists), tallying a rise of nearly 70% for Chinese visitors. The total number of bed

nights in the Capital Region surpassed 9 million in 2013, while international bed nights

reached 5 million.

In 2010, it is estimated that city break tourism contributed to DKK 2 billion in turnover.

However, 2010 was an exceptional year for city break tourism and turnover increased

with 29% in that one year, 680,000 cruise passengers visited the port in 2015.

Why is Copenhagen important for the rest of the World?

Figure 5a: Denmark’s exports as a percentage of their total exports in 2015

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13.51% of goods exported from Denmark to other countries were industrial machinery,

making up the largest product category. This is closely followed by electrical machinery

(9.24%) and pharmaceuticals (5.63%). Demark therefore plays an important role in the

production of heavy duty and electrical machinery in the global market.

Figure 5b: Denmark’s imports as a percentage of their total imports in 2015.

12.42% of goods imported to Denmark are industrial machinery, while 9.60% of imports

are electrical machinery. Many of the products exported by Denmark are also imported

too. More plastics are imported (4.41%) than exported (<3.7%), suggesting that

Denmark relies on other countries for the manufacture of plastics.

Politically, Denmark is a democracy and there are two strong political parties within the

country. Nine parties are represented in parliament. The four oldest (and in history

most influential parties) are the Conservative People's Party, the Social

Democrats, Venstre (a conservative-liberal party) and the Danish Social Liberal

Party. The current Prime Minister of Denmark is Lars Løkke Rasmussen. He leads a

government consisting of Venstre with parliamentary support from the Danish People's

Party, Liberal Alliance and the Conservative People's Party.

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5) How has Immigration Changed Copenhagen?

Most immigrants to Denmark come from non-western countries. For example, in

the second quarter of 2016, 320,046 new migrants arrived in Denmark from

eastern countries.

The number of immigrants coming to Denmark from non-western countries has

increased every quarter of a year. In the third quarter of 2015, 301,594 migrants

arrived in Denmark. This has steadily increased by approximately 6,000 people

each quarter of a year, reaching 320,046 migrants arriving from non-western

countries in the second quarter of 2016.

This trend exists because Denmark is an AC, with a strong economy and a stable

political system. People are migrating from LIDCs, where they may be living in

poverty, with little chance of employment, or there may be political unrest or

even war.

In 2015, most immigrants gaining Danish citizenship were from Asia (2164

people).

In 2015, the group of immigrants originating from Oceania were the group of

people who granted the lowest number of Danish citizenship approvals (14

people).

Of the total number of asylum applications held in the first quarter of 2016, 2043

were from Asia, 237 were from Africa and 5 were from Europe.

Danish governments have approved a new law to seize assets from refugees and

delay family reunification for three years. This could reduce the number of

migrants who chose to move to Denmark in the future because any families who

are split up could be prevented from seeing their loved ones for the next 3 years.

They are also at risk of losing the little possessions they own. Therefore, if

migrants have a choice, they are more likely to move to another European

country where this law does not exist. For existing refugees, they may now be

tempted to leave Denmark and move to neighbouring countries such as the

Netherlands and Germany.

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How has immigration changed the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen?

Source Who produced

it?

Purpose How is Nørrebro portrayed? Feelings? 5 word summary

of Nørrebro.

A: Cafebabel

website, 2015

Local writers To persuade people to

visit Nørrebro. To

celebrate multi-

culturalism and social

integration.

Vibrant, exciting and energetic. A

young person’s place (emphasis

on university, bars and

restaurants).

Excitement, positivity,

curiosity.

Fun, exciting, trendy,

fashionable, unsafe.

B: Telegraph Travel

section, 2013

Journalists/travel

bloggers

To persuade tourists to

visit Nørrebro.

A hotspot of activity with lots of

cafes, restaurants and bars.

Contains several historical

artefacts.

Relaxed, intrigue,

positivity.

Historic, trendy,

quaint, diverse,

exciting

C; Wikitravel

website

Internet users

who love to

travel!

To inform potential

travellers about the

Nørrebro area.

Clean, picturesque and cultured.

Somewhere where people

interested in fine art and history

would want to visit.

Calm, intrigued,

inspired.

Historic, cultured,

trendy, clean,

pleasant.

D:

Worldtravelimages.

net

Backpackers who

have visited

different

locations across

the world.

To give potential

backpackers a realistic

impression of

Nørrebro.

Dirty, untidy, scruffy. A place of

contrasts.

Negative,

disappointment,

uneasy.

Dirty, untidy, scruffy,

run-down, neglected.

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6) What is life like in Copenhagen?

Ex-Pat’s Guide to Copenhagen

Thinking of moving to Copenhagen for a career, study or just for the culture? Here is a

short guide to everything you need to know about the city!

Economy

Denmark has a modern market economy which invests heavily in high-tech agriculture,

pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. The country’s main exports are food products,

oil and gas. And imports raw materials for manufacturing.

Development indicator Statistic

GNP (PPP) (2015) $258.7 billion (2015 est.)

GDP per capita (2015) $45,700

Unemployment rate 4.7% (2015)

Population below poverty line 13.4% (2011 estimate)

Industrial production growth rate 0.7% (2015)

Housing in Denmark

51% of people in Denmark own their own house and 45% of housing is rented. , but

most of these are rented by social housing associations. Due to high inflation rates, it is

now difficult to potential buyers to enter the housing market.

A policy for disadvantaged areas of Copenhagen has been made. The objective of this

policy is to lift the six disadvantaged areas of Copenhagen into a positive development

trend so as to create equal opportunities for all residents no matter where they live. In

recent times, many parts of Copenhagen have undergone urban renewal. To encourage

increase social wellbeing and economic growth in pockets of the city.

The district of Vesterbro in Copenhagen experienced a substantial urban renewal in the

1990s. It was a project that implying a huge effort in the physical city layout, clearing

inner yards and opening up several blocks, but more or less keeping the old

structure. Vesterbro district is located very close to the city center, but the housing

standard was at a very low level: most of them are lack of central heating, private toilets

and bathrooms. Most of the residents in the area disposed of a low income and the

unemployment rate was as high as 20%. Amazingly after the renewal project, the

decayed Vesterbro begins to attract much more chic restaurants, shops, clubs and

customers. The refurbishment turns an area where people were normally not willing to

go to become a must-go spot to see the latest trends. Urban renewal is also very

meaningful in maintaining a decent living environment and preventing valued residents

from moving out.

Social housing refers to rental housing that provided for people on low incomes or with

particular needs by government agencies or non-profit organizations. A key function of

social housing is to provide accommodation that is affordable to people on low

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

incomes. The highest proportion of social housing is found in suburban areas. In the

city of Copenhagen, the housing stock was originally dominated by private rented

housing, and social housing only makes up about 20 percent of the housing market at

present. The current shortage of social housing in Copenhagen is the long waiting lists.

Key workers such as teachers, nurses and firemen have complained that they cannot

afford decent housing, and young working adults and household often have difficulty in

housing as well.

Reasonably priced, student-friendly apartments are hardly to get hold of, especially for

international students. Luckily, Copenhagen has many well-designed dormitories for

university students.

Transport

Copenhagen is well-known for its bicycle-friendly policies and culture. Around 90

percent of the population own a bike, and about 38 percent commute daily by bicycle.

Unlike in the United States, cars are not as popular, being owned by only about 53

percent of households. By 2008, 246 miles of cycle tracks, lanes, and greenways were

existing in the city. In order to encourage more bike transportation, Copenhagen also

built the first cycle superhighway network, which connects suburbs to the city center.

Cycle Super Highway comprised of 26 routes will cover 300 km and increase bicycle

lanes in Greater Copenhagen by 15 percent. The idea is to eliminate as many stops as

possible to encourage more people to commute by bike. The Super Highway

development is a collaborative effort between 22 municipalities in the Greater

Copenhagen area, and will effectively combine new and old routes increasing

connectivity and reducing congestion and pollution.

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7) How is Copenhagen Managing its Congestion problem?

Copenhagen has long has a problem with congestion and conflict between cyclists and

other road-users. With the congestion, comes noise pollution and a decrease in air

quality.

Strategies to encourage cycling in Copenhagen:

Pre-greens are stoplights that turn green for cyclists first, then to vehicles 2 to 12

seconds later.

The Green Wave refers to a couple major bike thoroughfares that are specifically

designed for cyclists. The first street to adopt this idea, Norrebrogade, has an

average speed of 20.3 kilometer per hour.

The Green Wave success has provided 35,000 people with easy commuting

during rush hour times and has sparked the development and expansion of two

more streets, Osterbrogade, and Amagerbrogade.

Cycle Super Highway, comprised of 26 routes, will cover 300 km and increase

bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen by 15 percent. The idea is to eliminate as

many stops as possible to encourage more people to commute by bike.

Cycling Initiative Information

41,000 cyclist a day use specialist cycle lanes to cross Cipper’s Bridge – busiest

bike street in the world!

Bins angled towards cyclists so they can use them easily as they ride.

Cyclesnake or Cykelslangen Bridge – cost 6 million dollars and links the harbour

to the train station.

Green lanes – prioritise the cyclists over the car drivers and signifies to cyclists

when traffic lights are green.

Smoother cobble stones installed to allow a comfortable ride.

Inderhavnsbroen. New bridge being built over the harbour which will be used by

11,000 cyclists a day.

3.5 metre wide cycle paths

Success of Initiative:

Only 12% of Copenhageners drive their cars. (Environmental)

5% increase in bike usage after only 1 year (Environmental/social)

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Copenhagen home to busiest cycling street in the world – 41,000 cyclists a day

use this route. (Environmental/social)

Cyclesnake cost 6 million dollars but is a popular route connecting harbour and

train station (Economic)

How could the initiative be improved?

On one hand the policy is environmentally sustainable because if only 12% of

Copenhageners use their car to commute, the CO2 and other greenhouse gas

emissions will decrease significantly and help to combat global warming.

On the other hand, it could be improved by ensuring the new strategies are

economically sustainable. If strategies are too expensive then Copenhagen will not be

able to further improve the city for cycling in the future.

8) Rapid Urban Growth in LIDCs

Definitions:

Shanty Towns: Shanty towns or ‘slums’ are areas of temporary housing, often

found on the edge of cities. They are a result of rural-to-urban migration and

usually found on land which is steep prone to flooding or used for waste disposal.

Where are slums found?

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

The table above shows the 20 largest slums in the world. Slums are a phenomenon

associated with LIDCs or EDCs and develop and grow as a result of rural-to-urban

migration. Many of the world’s largest slums are found in cities in African countries and

other countries such as Brazil, Mexico, India and Peru.

Slum characteristics:

Houses constructed of recycled and waste materials e.g. corrugated iron/waste

plastics/scrap wood

Houses can be as small as 4m2 and have up to as many as 8 people living there.

Open sewerage systems run through the central street and toilets can be shared

by up to 1000 people.

Many people in slums do not have permanent jobs, but live day to day and may

walk for hours to find a job in the city centre. Many women resort to prostitution

to earn money to feed their family.

Some houses may have electricity.

Water pipes can be found in slums, but the water system is easily contaminated

due to the lack of sanitation. Residents usually have to pay for clean water and

collect it from stand pipes.

Many slums have problems with crime, linked to poverty and low quality of life.

Case Study Example of a top 20 slum – Dharavi, Mumbai, India

Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, is located in the

state of Maharashtra, in the middle of the city

of Mumbai. Mumbai is a bustling city, with a

large divide between the most wealthy

population and the poorest people in the city.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

More than 1 million people live in Dharavi, which covers just 1 square mile.

Dharavi used to be a fishing village and has grown due to mass rural- to-urban

migration from the surrounding countryside. In a city where house rents are among the

highest in the world, Dharavi provides a cheap and affordable option to those who

move to Mumbai to earn their living.

Rents here can be as low as 185 rupees ($4/£2.20) per month. As Dharavi is located

between Mumbai's two main suburban rail lines, most people find it convenient for

work.

Although the edge of Dharavi suffers many problems with sanitation, poor-quality

housing and disease, there is much to celebrate about this place. Even in the smallest of

rooms, there is usually a cooking gas stove and continuous electricity.

Many residents have a small colour television with a cable connection that ensures they

can catch up with their favourite soaps. Some of them even have a video player.

Dharavi also has a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce

embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic.

Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum

and are sold in domestic as well as international markets.

The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a

year.The state government has plans to redevelop Dharavi and transform it into a

modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals

and schools. It is estimated that the project will cost $2.1bn (£1.1bn).

Although ’improved housing’ has been provided by the government, it has been

criticised by many, as the once large community of Dharavi has now been segregated

into individual flats. Many argue that more housing of this design will threaten the

thriving sense of community which exists in the slum.

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9) What is Lagos Like?

Location

Lagos is a city in a LIDC and is found

on the southern coast of Nigeria, in

north-western Africa. The coast

boarders the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is

found within the northern hemisphere

in the tropic of Cancer. The country of

Nigeria is bordered by four other

African countries: Benin to the West,

Niger to the North, Chad to the North-

East and Cameroon to the East. Lake

Chad forms the North-Eastern border

between Nigeria and Chad.

Nigeria is a country which is divided

into states, much like the USA. Lagos

city is found in the state of Lagos. The

city’s name means “Lakes” and was

named by the first settlers who came

from Portugal. Lagos is Nigeria’s

largest city and one of the largest in

sub-Saharan Africa.

History

Lagos is the largest city and chief port of modern Nigeria. The area that is now Lagos

was settled by Yoruba people during the fourteenth century. The founders created a

coastal village they called Eko. In the 1760s, Portuguese traders settled there and began

using Eko as a port for the slave trade, renaming it Lagos after the coastal city in

Southern Portugal that had the greatest trading links with Africa. In 1861, Lagos took

step to becoming a British colony.

Under British rule, Lagos never became a fully colonial city (a city which has been taken

over by people from another country) as there was never any mass European

settlement. Lagos’ cosmopolitan nature was further enhanced by the arrival of

thousands of white and black Brazilians in the 1850s. Throughout the 19th century the

city was plagued by overcrowding and sanitary problems.

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In the twentieth century, Lagos became a center for resistance to colonial rule. Revolts

against water rates and the taking over of indigenous (local people’s) land in 1908 and

1911 served to unite native Africans. The period between the World Wars saw further

organization with the emergence of nationalist groups such as the Nigerian Youth

Movement formed in 1933. In 1960, Lagos became the capital of a newly-independent

Nigeria.

Climate and Landscape

This city has a tropical climate, meaning the long-term weather is warm, wet and mild

for most of the year. The summers are much rainier than the winters in Lagos. The

average temperature in Lagos is 27.0 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1693 mm.

The city itself sprawls over four main islands: Lagos, Iddo, Ikoyi, and Victoria, which are

connected to each other and to the mainland by a system of bridges. All the territory is

low-lying, the highest point on Lagos Island being only 22 feet (7 metres) above sea

level. Most of the city is generally at sea level.

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Landmarks and Tourist Attractions

Lagos is home to some of Nigeria most iconic landmarks.

a) Taiwo Olow’s Monument

The Monument is located in Lagos Island in Broad Street and is thought to have been

built by the melting of 1000 pennies. It is said to be the tomb of the late Chief Daniel

Conrad Taiwo, a famous political figure in Nigeria.

b) Tafawa Balewa Square

This is the central square in Lagos Island and is used for many public celebrations. The

square was named after the first Prime Minister of Nigeria and its grand appearance is

due to the building’s statues.

c) Third Mainland Bridge

The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest bridge in Africa and the longest of three

bridges in Lagos, Nigeria. There is the Eko Bridge, the Carter Bridge, and then the Third

Mainland Bridge, connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.

d) National Museum

The National Museum stocks the most significant collections of West African antiquities

in the world. It is over 50 years old, having been established in 1957, just some years

before Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

e) Lekki Conservation Centre

Managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the Lekki Conservation Centre has a

large area of wetlands and wildlife animals like crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds, and

other animals that you can see when you visit early in the morning or late in the

evening. There is also a library and a conservation centre.

Cultural Highlights

a) The Eyo Festival

The Eyo is the masquerade that comes out only in Lagos Island. It is believed to represent

the spirits of the ancestors. The Eyo festival may be held in honour of a chief or an elder of a

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

ruling family or an Oba, who had died. It may also be held when a new head of an Iga

(palace) or a new Oba is installed. With the advent of westernization and modernization, a

governor or a political leader may also request that the festival be organised to add colour

to an occasion for a fee. Eyo is usually held on a Saturday.

b) Freedom Park

Freedom Park is the remnant of a British Prison located on Broad Street in the heart of

Lagos. In order, to preserve this history and cultural heritage, the government upgraded

the park. The Park for the past few years has become a one-stop centre to appreciate

art, culture and have fun at the same time. It showcases the work of literary giant Prof.

Wole Soyinka via the Kongi’s Harvest Art gallery, live music, spoken word, live drama,

and hosts events like the Afropolitan vibes and Lagos Black Heritage Festival.

Why is Lagos important to Nigeria?

Lagos’ ports handle four fifths of Nigeria imports.

The ports handle 70% of Nigeria exports.

Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial centre, where most trade happens.

Why is Lagos important to the rest of the World?

The top exports of Nigeria are petroleum and special use ships.

Its top imports are petroleum, cars, wheat, motorcycles and iron structures.

The top export destinations of Nigeria are: India, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands

and France.

The top import origins are China, the USA, Luxemberg, Belgium and India.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

10) How has immigration changed Lagos? Makoko Slum

Makoko is a shanty town which exists in southern Lagos and is officially the world’s

largest floating slum. It is home to over 85,000 people. On 16 July 2012, four days after

the State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development issued a 72-hour quit

notice to residents, a band of machete-wielding men laid siege to Makoko’s buildings.

Five days later, according to the Social and Economic Action Rights Centre (Serac, a legal

advocacy group for underprivileged Nigerian communities threatened with forced

evictions), the assault escalated: the demolition workers set fire to targeted structures

and deployed armed police who allegedly fired gunshots indiscriminately. One resident

was killed, shaming the demolition workers into suspending their efforts. By then,

30,000 people had been rendered homeless.

Reasons why people move from rural areas to urban Lagos (rural-to-urban

migration):

a) Lagos is Nigeria’s most important city and is the economic centre of West Africa

b) There are more job opportunities in Lagos in the informal sector

c) 85% of households in Lagos have access to a safe water supply

d) Commercial activities take pace in some parts of the city 24 hours a day

e) Lagos accounts for 60% of economic growth in Nigeria

f) Some of the areas of the city are home to extremely luxurious houses

g) From 2010 to 2011, youth unemployment in rural areas increased from 48%

percent to 60% percent.

h) People in the city have money left over after paying for necessary items. This is

an average of 99,800N

i) It is easy to access to the three main hospitals from within the city.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

Positives and Negatives of Makoko Slum

Positives Negatives

Heart of Lagos’ fishing industry is located

in Makoko.

Sanitation is poor – no proper drainage

and sewerage system and no running

water. Rubbish thrown into the lagoon.

Many people from different countries

forms a multicultural slum – Ghana, Togo,

Cameroon, Benin. There are no ethnic

tensions

No jobs available for future generations in

Makoko

Floating shops on boats where a wide

variety on goods can be sold e,g,

medicines to food.

Water pollution carries risk of water-borne

diseases

The slum has a school, which was donated

by NGO money. It also operates as a

Christian Church.

4ft to 6ft makeshift wooden buildings on

stilts – at risk of strong tidal currents and

sea level rise.

Reduced carbon emissions as all travel

made by boat.

Slum is next to university of Lagos and

main business district of Lagos state –

damaging to reputation of Lagos and

considered an eyesore

Community is organised by 13 highly

respected chiefs, who resolve community

disputes. They also work with NGOs to

improve quality of life.

Conflict and tension exists between local

people and Lagos police. 1 man shot over

dispute about evacuation.

Local people are proud of the

neighbourhood.

Local peoples’ tenancy is not secure. Mass

demolition in 2012.

Sustainable school built on 200 floating

barrels.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

11) What is it like to live in Lagos?

Fact file

Name origin: Named after Portuguese word for ‘lagoon’

City function: Political centre, port

Area: 999.6 km²

Climate: Tropical savannah (Aw), little seasonal variation in temperature, wettest month

is June (average 315mm), driest is January (average 13.2mm), hottest month is March

(average 28.5 °C), coolest month is August (average 25.0 °C)

Population: 21 million

Number of airports: 1

Most popular sport: Football

Positives of living in Lagos Negatives of living in Lagos

Lively music and bar scene Traffic congestion

Slums, such as Makoko Noise and air pollution

High crime rate

Slums, such as Makoko

Overpopulation

Infrastructure unable to cope

Why move to Lagos?

Expat

Why have you decided to move to Lagos?

Excellent nightlife; lively city which is an exciting place to be

Many cultural highlights, such as the Eyo Festival

Growing economy so lots of jobs available for someone who has qualifications.

Amazing climate – hot all year round!

Pull factors

(See above)

Push factors for leaving UK

Jobs are can be difficult to find, even with qualifications.

Climate is cool and wet. Not much sun!

What are you looking forward to about living in Lagos

Experiencing the culture and seeing how much the city is changing. Experiencing

the nightlife.

What are you worried about?

High crime rates.

It’s busy and noisy – it might be a bit overwhelming at first!

Lack of good healthcare.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

Economic migrant moving from rural Nigeria to Lagos

Why have you decided to move to Lagos?

Lack of income - surviving on subsistence farming and want a better quality of

life and money to make my family comfortable.

Pull factors

Higher chance of getting a better paid job.

Money I can send back to my family.

To gain skills I can use to earn a living.

Push factors for leaving countryside

Poverty

Lack of access to healthcare

Poor quality of life

Subsistence farming can be unreliable - crops can fail leading to malnutrition and

famine.

What are you looking forward to about living in Lagos?

Earning money

Knowing my family will be supported

Better environment to live in

What are you worried about?

Not finding a job

High crime rate

Racial tension

Quality of life not improving

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

12) What problems is Lagos facing?

Fact: Average life expectancy for people living in Lagos state: 70 years. This compares to

an average of 53 years (males) and 56 years (females) in the rest of Nigeria.

Problems in Lagos City:

Traffic congestion

Lack of maintained infrastructure

Poor standards of road safety

Schools overpopulated

Lack of adequate healthcare

High rates of homelessness and unemployment

Housing shortage and growth of slums

Services struggling to cope with levels of immigration

Health and Social Problems in Nigeria

56% of households have access to electricity.

This is because many people in the countryside do not have access to electricity. Many

people moving to cities such as Lagos live in shanty towns which may not have power.

Wood continues to be the main type of fuel used for cooking.

Many people in rural areas are without electricity so have to use the resources around

them.

Infant mortality rates are 69 per 1,000 live births each year.

This is due to poor access to healthcare and lack of advanced medical facilities. Many

people are poor and cannot afford medical care.

36% of births in Nigeria are delivered in a healthcare facility.

GCSE Revision Guide People and Society: Urban Futures

Many people in rural areas do not have transportation and cannot afford to pay for

medical bills, so will choose to give birth at home with no assistance.

29% of children under 5 are underweight.

Many people in rural areas live off subsistence farming, where they grow food for their

own survival. If crops fail or there is a bad harvest, food supplies are short.

Only 55% of households have at least one insecticide-treated mosquito net to

protect against malaria.

Mosquito nets cost money, so many communities have to rely on charity donations.