Population Characteristics
Population in Shanghai, along with Beijing, is expected to
be more than 50 million by 2050. This figure is double the currently rapid
level of growth, because of the fast-paced urbanisation in the region and
strong economic growth.
According to the 2010 Census, Shanghai’s population was 89.3% (20.6 million) urban and 10.7% (2.5 million) rural; meaning the majority of the population resides in the city.
Officials believe that Shanghai’s population will reach a small peak before climbing further, even though the city has many demographic problems to overcome. This includes a low fertility rate, an imbalance in gender and an increasing age. The one-child policy (or the family planning policy) currently in place in China keeps the population from gaining dramatic growth, but on the other hand, has also contributed to a shrinking workforce in the area. Migrants are the main reason for the large population in which the city has today.
According to the 2010 Census, Shanghai’s population was 89.3% (20.6 million) urban and 10.7% (2.5 million) rural; meaning the majority of the population resides in the city.
Officials believe that Shanghai’s population will reach a small peak before climbing further, even though the city has many demographic problems to overcome. This includes a low fertility rate, an imbalance in gender and an increasing age. The one-child policy (or the family planning policy) currently in place in China keeps the population from gaining dramatic growth, but on the other hand, has also contributed to a shrinking workforce in the area. Migrants are the main reason for the large population in which the city has today.
Population
Settlement
Demographics
Shanghai has a population density of 3,700 people per square kilometer, or 9,700 per square mile. The city also has an area of 6,340.5 square kilometers of land with 697 square kilometers of water. Shanghai’s terrain is mostly flat besides a few hills in the Southwest region and the average elevation is about 4 meters.
- The city also has an extensive network of rivers, canals, lakes and streams, all of which combines to create a perfect setting for a large population. This may also be the reason into why Shanghai is the world's most populated city.
- The most recent census of the city revealed a growth in population of 40.29% since 2000. This is a substantial growth from previous years.
Migrants and Migration
The city is a hot spot for migrants and immigrants. Shanghai migrants have made up the largest percentage of the city’s growth, as its natural growth rate has actually been negative since 1993. This was due to low fertility rates. More than 39% of Shanghai’s residents are long-term migrants, a number that has tripled in the last 10 years.
The amounts of foreigners that have since moved to Shanghai include 31,500 Japanese, 21,000 Americans and 20,700 Koreans, which was based on official figures; the actual amount is most probably higher because of unrecorded illegal immigrants.
Languages
Many languages are spoken in Shanghai, including Wu language and Shanghainese, which is a variant of the Chinese language. The majority of citizens in the city speak Mandarin, even though it isn't the official language.
Religion
Shanghai has a range of different religions, in which the city's inhabitants follow.
Many languages are spoken in Shanghai, including Wu language and Shanghainese, which is a variant of the Chinese language. The majority of citizens in the city speak Mandarin, even though it isn't the official language.
Religion
Shanghai has a range of different religions, in which the city's inhabitants follow.
Urban Issues and Problems
As Shanghai is known as a rich city, it doesn't have the same urban difficulties in some remote or poor countries may have.
Due to rapid pollution produced by the city, air and water quality is a big issue. Beijing and Shanghai have similar pollution levels, yet the latter has cleaner air. This is because Shanghai's wind mainly comes from the ocean, bringing in healthier air along with it. This still doesn't stop smog occasionally forming in the city, where the residents usually wear facial masks when forced to commute through it.
Solid waste management is an urban issue in Shanghai, with producing a huge amount of solid waste daily; in 1994, the city produced 35,000 metric tons of solid waste per day, which is equal to 12.5 million metric tons during that year. The city has noticed the problem and has attempted to find a solution to the growing waste; the industry now reuses 80% of the waste. This problem is able to be resolved with finance and political will.
Growing transport in and around Shanghai is quickly becoming the city's biggest issue. Increasing motor vehicles and population leads to greater traffic congestion in the city. Solutions have been found to this problem, such as limiting the amount of license plates in circulation. Every month, a license plate auction is held where people wanting to buy a car have to get it from there. The auction is the sole market for cars in Shanghai. This solution limits the cars on the road, and ultimately decreasing the amount of cars on the road, but there is the disadvantage of plate being sold for very expensive rates.
There are many more urban difficulties in the city of Shanghai, but the main issues are listed above; air and water pollution, solid waste management and traffic congestion.
As Shanghai is known as a rich city, it doesn't have the same urban difficulties in some remote or poor countries may have.
Due to rapid pollution produced by the city, air and water quality is a big issue. Beijing and Shanghai have similar pollution levels, yet the latter has cleaner air. This is because Shanghai's wind mainly comes from the ocean, bringing in healthier air along with it. This still doesn't stop smog occasionally forming in the city, where the residents usually wear facial masks when forced to commute through it.
Solid waste management is an urban issue in Shanghai, with producing a huge amount of solid waste daily; in 1994, the city produced 35,000 metric tons of solid waste per day, which is equal to 12.5 million metric tons during that year. The city has noticed the problem and has attempted to find a solution to the growing waste; the industry now reuses 80% of the waste. This problem is able to be resolved with finance and political will.
Growing transport in and around Shanghai is quickly becoming the city's biggest issue. Increasing motor vehicles and population leads to greater traffic congestion in the city. Solutions have been found to this problem, such as limiting the amount of license plates in circulation. Every month, a license plate auction is held where people wanting to buy a car have to get it from there. The auction is the sole market for cars in Shanghai. This solution limits the cars on the road, and ultimately decreasing the amount of cars on the road, but there is the disadvantage of plate being sold for very expensive rates.
There are many more urban difficulties in the city of Shanghai, but the main issues are listed above; air and water pollution, solid waste management and traffic congestion.