Sunday, September 14, 2003
Macroeconomic perspective on the role of cities
I came across this old powerpoint presentation by Rakesh Mohan (of the Rakesh Mohan committee) earlier today -- a fascinating look at the role of cities in economic development. Though the presentation is from 2000, the lessons are still relevant and instructive, especially as we forge ahead with RISC.
The presentation once again raises the issue of what numbers to believe when it comes to population figures. Though most statistics I've looked at seem to agree on Tokyo as the largest urban agglomeration, noone can seem to agree on the next 3-4 cities. I have seen everything from Bombay to Mexico City to Shanghai to Sao Paulo. According to Rakesh Mohan's numbers, the big 6 in 2000 were, in order, Tokyo, Bombay, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, New York and Mexico City. I personally find it hard to believe that NYC is bigger than Mexico City, unless the numbers that are taken into account are the ones for the daytime when a very large number of outsiders enter the city.
The presentation once again raises the issue of what numbers to believe when it comes to population figures. Though most statistics I've looked at seem to agree on Tokyo as the largest urban agglomeration, noone can seem to agree on the next 3-4 cities. I have seen everything from Bombay to Mexico City to Shanghai to Sao Paulo. According to Rakesh Mohan's numbers, the big 6 in 2000 were, in order, Tokyo, Bombay, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, New York and Mexico City. I personally find it hard to believe that NYC is bigger than Mexico City, unless the numbers that are taken into account are the ones for the daytime when a very large number of outsiders enter the city.
