Mexico City: Urbanisation and Migration
Rural to urban migration is the main driver behind Mexico City's massive growth. People leave farming areas because of push factors like poor job opportunities, lack of clean water, and low literacy rates. The pull factors drawing them to the city include factory jobs, better healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Natural increase (more births than deaths due to better healthcare) also contributes to the city's growth. However, this rapid expansion creates serious problems. The infrastructure can't cope with the waste and sewage from so many people, leading to water pollution and overcrowding.
Mexico City now has some of the best living standards in Mexico, with a large Central Business District (CBD) housing banks, insurance companies, and government offices. Yet there's huge inequality - the top 20% of earners make 13 times more than the bottom 20%, with average income around £13,000 compared to £25,000 in America.
Quick Fact: The city's pattern of rich and poor areas is shaped by population growth, income levels, industrialisation, and housing segregation.