What is a megalopolis?

A megalopolis is a term used to describe a vast and densely populated urban region that typically spans several cities and metropolitan areas. These regions are characterized by high levels of economic, cultural, and social integration, and are often connected through a network of transportation infrastructure.

Some examples of megalopolises around the world include the Northeast Megalopolis in the United States (which encompasses cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C), the Pearl River Delta in China (which includes cities such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen), and the Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka Megalopolis in Japan.

Megalopolises are often seen as centers of innovation and economic growth, but they also face significant challenges related to housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability due to their massive size and population density. Some experts have raised concerns that megalopolises may exacerbate existing social and economic disparities, and that they may be vulnerable to disruption due to factors such as climate change, pandemics, or geopolitical instability.