José Luis SAN EMETERIO, Université de Paris, France
François MORICONI-EBRARD, CNRS, France
Hervé GAZEL, Université de Lyon 3, France
Rémi PASCAL, Geopolis Institut, France
The Africapolis database aims at studying urbanization dynamics in Africa using a simple definition of urbanization that makes possible a comparison between regions and countries all over the world (http://e-geopolis.org). This database combines data from two different origins: the spatial delimitation of urban areas from satellite images and the results of population censuses carried out by national institutions at the smallest territorial units’ level (Local Unit).
This methodology allowed us to identify emerging patterns of urbanization that illustrate the impressive changes that are taking place in the continent and that will certainly contribute to shape its future. Some of these phenomena go unnoticed as official institutions often ignore the spatial dimension of populations. We will use practical examples from the Africapolis database to present some characteristic patterns of urbanization in Africa hoping to raise the debate about the present challenges and future prospects of urbanization in the South.
Mots clés : Urbanization|Africa|Africapolis|Development|Population
A105487JS