Urban History of Latin America

Latin America is the world’s most urbanized region. 80 percent of Latin Americans live in cities, and iconic cities such as São Paulo and Mexico City are among the world's largest conurbations. The city has long played a key role in the region's history, serving as nodes of imperial power, as religious centers, and as markets from pre-Columbian to colonial times. The 20th century witnessed both the achievement and failure of modernization, as cities industrialized rapidly but grew haphazardly, struggling with poverty and pollution. Today, Latin American cities are multifaceted spaces where both real advancement and daunting problems coexist.