National urbanization policy in developing countries

This report focuses on the need for national urbanization policy. First, it presents a worldwide perspective on urbanization and explains why the need for active urbanization policies is greater for developing countries than it was in the past for economies that are now developed. It then discusses the factors affecting national spatial development and gives a country typology for national urbanization strategies. It also covers the determinants of the growth of urban systems, touching on migration, rural-urban interaction, and the roles of transport and industrialization. Next, the current status of national urbanization policy is assessed. The report concludes with a discussion on appropriate national urbanization strategies. The appendices cover urbanization issues in Latin America and in large centrally planned economies, such as the Soviet Union and China.