Which statement best describes the impact of economic opportunities on urbanization?

The statement that economic opportunities drive individuals from rural to urban areas accurately reflects a fundamental principle of urbanization. As economies grow and develop, urban areas typically offer more job opportunities, higher wages, and greater access to services and resources compared to rural regions. This economic incentive acts as a pull factor, encouraging people to migrate to cities in search of a better quality of life and the chance to improve their economic situations.

Urbanization is often accompanied by industrialization and a shift from agricultural work to service and manufacturing jobs, which are more prevalent in urban settings. This migration significantly contributes to the population growth of cities and often transforms the cultural and social landscapes of these urban areas.

In contrast, urbanization is unlikely to be discouraged, nor does it lead to the decline of city populations as long as economic opportunities remain strong. Additionally, while urban planning does become crucial in response to growing cities, it is primarily a response to urbanization rather than a direct driver. Therefore, the strong relationship between economic opportunities and migration patterns makes the selected statement the most accurate representation of urbanization dynamics.