Main Answer:
Countries that follow the rank-size rule have urban hierarchies where the population of a city is inversely proportional to its rank.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rank-size rule is a demographic pattern observed in certain countries where the size of cities follows a predictable distribution. In these nations, the population of the largest city is inversely proportional to its rank in the urban hierarchy. This means that the largest city is typically much more populous than the second-largest, the second-largest is much more populous than the third-largest, and so on. This distribution creates a distinctive pattern where the size of cities declines systematically as you move down the hierarchy.
This phenomenon is often associated with countries that have experienced rapid urbanization and economic development. It reflects the concentration of resources, opportunities, and services in the largest urban center, making it significantly more populous than other cities in the country. The rank-size rule is commonly used to analyze urban structures and understand the distribution of population in different cities within a nation.
In practical terms, a country adhering to the rank-size rule might have a megalopolis or a primate city that dominates the urban landscape, attracting a disproportionately large share of the population and economic activities. This concentration can impact regional development, resource allocation, and overall economic dynamics within the country.