Trends and challenges in population and urban growth at the international level: The case of Mexico

Abstract

This paper uses data related to population and urban growth in a few countries, including Mexico, and reports the challenges posed by the reproduction of persistent patterns of urban inequality at the international level and in Mexico. The methodology is qualitative and quantitative, and the main purpose is to analyze the problems posed by fast urbanization rates. The interest is justified given the needs of a sustainable present and future. The hypothesis put forward is that urbanization processes in most countries follow inertias that represent benefits for certain economic agents such as companies providing goods and services, urban developers, among others, but challenge the bulk of the population and governments in the implementation of territorial development policies. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to apply regional and urban planning regulations to the development agenda.