What is urbanization?

Urbanization refers to the process through which rural areas transform into urban areas, involving shifts in population, lifestyle, and economic activities. This phenomenon often includes the development of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and housing, which facilitates the movement of people from the countryside to cities. As rural regions become more urbanized, they typically experience increased population density, changing demographics, and economic diversification away from agricultural-based activities towards industrial and service-oriented jobs.

While the other options touch upon aspects surrounding urban areas, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive transformation characterized by urbanization itself. For instance, simply mentioning the increase in population density in metropolitan areas does not convey the full scope of how rural areas are evolving into urban centers. Similarly, the growth of rural areas into suburban neighborhoods focuses more on a specific type of development rather than the broader processes at work. The elimination of urban growth boundaries suggests a policy issue that impacts urban development but does not define urbanization as a transformative process.