[Urbanization in tropical countries]

Rural populations are still the most numerous in tropical countries. But we can witness an unprecedent process of urbanization. However the dynamics of the phenomenon differs greatly in different countries and in different towns. As a matter of fact, the greatest overcrowded metropolis attract the greatest part of the migrants from rural areas; the attractive factors are multifarious and universal. This not easily controllable trend seems to be irreversible. The migrant farmers will generally find a job within the informed economic sector. The zones of spontaneous and precarious settlement are often their first environmental living conditions. Some of these unhealthy dwelling areas are subject to development plans; some of them being extremely well designed.