A vast urban area, typically comprised of multiple metropolitan areas merging together, can extend significantly beyond traditional city boundaries. These conurbations are characterized by a population exceeding 20 million residents. An example is the Pearl River Delta region in China, encompassing cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, which collectively form a single, massive, interconnected urban space.
The concept’s relevance lies in understanding contemporary urbanization patterns and their associated challenges. Recognizing these large-scale urban agglomerations is crucial for addressing issues related to infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic disparities. Historically, the emergence of these entities reflects globalization’s influence on population distribution and economic activity.
