American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which term describes a large urban area characterized by multiple centers and over 10 million inhabitants?

1. Megalopolis

2. Urban cluster

3. Urbanized area

4. Metropolitan area

The correct answer is: Megalopolis

The term that describes a large urban area characterized by multiple centers and over 10 million inhabitants is "Megalopolis." This term is commonly used to refer to a densely populated region that consists of several major metropolitan areas that are interconnected or located close to one another. A megalopolis typically exhibits significant urbanization and can accommodate vast populations, often exceeding 10 million. This concept reflects the trend of urban growth where cities expand and merge, creating a continuous, sprawling urban area. The presence of multiple centers indicates the complexity of land use and development, where several cities or townships play vital roles rather than having a single, predominant urban core. As such, the term "Megalopolis" captures these features effectively, making it the appropriate choice for describing an expansive and populous urban environment. In contrast, the other terms like urban cluster, urbanized area, and metropolitan area traditionally describe areas with significant populations as well, but they do not specifically emphasize the presence of multiple centers and the scale of over 10 million inhabitants that define a megalopolis.