What does the term 'overcrowding' refer to in the context of urbanization?

Overcrowding in the context of urbanization refers to excessive population in a given space. This phenomenon occurs when the number of people residing in an area exceeds the capacity of that area to provide adequate housing, services, infrastructure, and resources. Overcrowding can lead to various social and economic issues, such as increased competition for jobs, strain on public services, inadequate living conditions, and heightened environmental impacts.

In urban settings, overcrowding often results from rapid population growth, migration to cities for employment opportunities, or insufficient urban planning that does not accommodate expanding populations. As cities grow, the physical space allotted for housing and basic needs may become overwhelmed, leading to congested living conditions that compromise the quality of life for residents. Hence, identifying overcrowding is crucial for urban planners and policymakers as they strategize on resource allocation and infrastructure development to manage population densities effectively.