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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use images to investigate the geography of Mumbai and explain why Mumbai is called a global city.

      Key learning points

      1. A global city is a well-connected city with good transport and financial links across the world.
      2. Mumbai has a population of around 22 million people and is the financial capital of India.
      3. Property in Mumbai is becoming some of the most expensive in the world due to Mumbai being a thriving global city.
      4. Mumbai accounts for 25% of India's industrial output.
      5. Bollywood is a major film industry in India and it is based in Mumbai.

      Keywords

      • Infrastructure - all the basic systems in a country, such as transport and power supply

      • Population density - the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre

      • Global city - a city that is a major centre for trade and communication with other places around the world

      • Megacity - a city that has a population of more than 10 million people

      • Industrial output - the total value of goods produced by a country's industry

      Common misconception

      Confusion about the difference between global cities and megacities.

      Global cities are well-connected cities that are recognised as being of global importance. Megacities are cities with more than 10 million inhabitants. Not all global cities are megacities.

      Teacher tip

      There are many different ways to use images in investigate the geography of places. Other possibilities include asking learners to generate questions about an image; imagine what people in an image might be thinking or saying; and extending a cropped image.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What defines a city?

      A place with only farms and open fields
      A small village with fewer than 1000 people
      Correct answer: A large settlement with a high population, buildings, and infrastructure
      Any area with trees and rivers

      Q2.
      Which city is an example of rapid urban growth due to migration?

      Correct answer: Mumbai, India
      Reykjavik, Iceland
      A small rural village

      Q3.
      What is the main difference between rural and urban areas?

      Rural areas have more people than urban areas
      Correct answer: Urban areas have more buildings and a higher population than rural areas
      Rural areas have more factories than urban areas

      Q4.
      Why do some people migrate from rural to urban areas?

      To escape from city traffic
      Because rural areas have more pollution
      Correct answer: To find better job opportunities and services

      Q5.
      Where is Mumbai located?

      North India
      Correct answer: West India
      South India

      Q6.
      What is India’s population as of 2024?

      1.2 billion
      900 million
      2 billion
      Correct answer: 1.4 billion

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where is Mumbai located?

      North India
      Correct answer: West India
      East India
      South India

      Q2.
      Mumbai is an example of a city - a city that is a major centre for trade and communication with other places around the world.

      Correct Answer: global

      Q3.
      A megacity is a city with a population over...

      Correct answer: 10 million people
      1.4 billion people
      6 thousand people

      Q4.
      What is Mumbai known for?

      Farming and agriculture
      Correct answer: Being India’s financial and entertainment capital
      Being a small coastal village
      Producing most of India’s food

      To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Mumbai: A global city, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...