One of the most drastic changes that has taken place in the world over the last 100 years has been where and how people live, and how they earn their living. In the next 20 years, most of the people in the world will live in cities.

Cities represent hope and possibility for many poor people who are looking to improve their lives, and create a better future for their children. In cities, there are many more opportunities to find work in many different fields than in the countryside.

Recent advancements in technology, more trade (read story on trade) between countries and other innovations in transportation have brought the world closer together than ever before. This has created many new opportunities and jobs in cities.

Tim Campbell, a World Bank specialist on cities, says in his 30 years of working in this field, he has never seen cities so alive with hope.

While most people who move to the city from the countryside eventually succeed in improving their life and creating new opportunities for their children, it can be hard to adjust to the city life for many people, especially those who are poor.

Read next stories to learn more.

What does it mean?

Urbanization: The process by which a country's population changes from primarily rural to urban. It is caused by the migration of people from the countryside to the city in search of better jobs and living conditions.

Related Links
   Cities of the World - from the UN's CyberSchoolBus 
   www.righttoplay.com 
   Voices of Youth - Children and Cities 
   Development Outreach