The accelerating pace of world urbanisation has been one of the most significant developments of the twentieth century. This development has had great effects on almost all aspects of our lives. It is vital for economic growth, diversification and development. It transforms people's values, attitudes, behaviour, and life styles in general. While most developed countries were urbanised in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, urbanisation in developing countries is mainly a late-twentieth century and early twenty-first century process. Therefore studies on urbanisation patterns in developed countries can provide an important base of information and analysis for solving the urban problems in developing countries.