What is urban hierarchy?

Urban hierarchy is a concept used in urban geography to describe the organization of cities based on their size, function, and importance within a region or country. Cities are classified into different levels of hierarchy based on factors such as population size, economic activity, political significance, and cultural influence.

At the top of the urban hierarchy are world or global cities, which are major centers of finance, commerce, politics, and culture with a significant influence on the global economy. Examples of world cities include New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris.

Below global cities are regional or national capital cities, which are typically the political and administrative centers of a country or region. These cities often have larger populations, higher levels of economic activity, and greater cultural significance than other cities in the region.

Next in the urban hierarchy are major cities or metropolitan areas, which are typically the largest cities in a country or region and serve as important centers of industry, commerce, and culture. These cities may have a high population density and significant economic output.

At the bottom of the urban hierarchy are smaller cities, towns, and villages, which may have populations ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand. These smaller urban areas may serve as regional centers for commerce, education, healthcare, and other services, but they do not have the same level of influence as larger cities in the hierarchy.

Overall, urban hierarchy is a useful concept for understanding the organization and interconnectedness of cities within a region or country, and how various factors contribute to their relative importance and influence.