6.4 The Size and Distribution

Provide city examples of the rank size rule in your country (if it doesn't apply then explain why by providing examples).

In the case of Mexico, the rank-size rule does not seem to apply as neatly as in some other countries. Here are some examples that illustrate the deviation from the rank-size rule in Mexico:

1. Mexico City Metropolitan Area: With a population of around 21.6 million (as of 2020), Mexico City is by far the largest urban agglomeration in the country, dwarfing other cities in terms of population size.

2. Guadalajara Metropolitan Area: With a population of around 5.3 million, Guadalajara is the second-largest metropolitan area in Mexico. However, its population is significantly less than half of Mexico City's population, deviating from the rank-size rule.

3. Monterrey Metropolitan Area: As the third-largest metropolitan area, Monterrey has a population of around 5.1 million, which is more than one-third of Mexico City's population, further deviating from the expected pattern.

4. Puebla Metropolitan Area: The fourth-largest metropolitan area, Puebla, has a population of around 3.1 million, which is less than one-fourth of Mexico City's population.

Provide specific examples of higher order services in a city of your country.

Financial Services: Mexico City is the financial hub of the country, home to major banks, stock exchanges (Mexican Stock Exchange), investment firms, and corporate headquarters.

Specialized Healthcare: The city has world-class hospitals and medical research centers, such as the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, providing highly specialized healthcare services.

Higher Education: Mexico City hosts several prestigious universities and research institutions, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), offering advanced degree programs and conducting cutting-edge research.

Legal and Professional Services: The city has a concentration of law firms, accounting firms, and other professional services catering to businesses and high-income individuals.

Provide specific examples of lower services in a city of your country.

Lower-order services in a city like Puebla, Mexico, may include:

1. Retail Stores: Local grocery stores, convenience stores, and small retail shops serving the daily needs of residents.

2. Personal Services: Hair salons, barbershops, laundromats, and dry cleaners catering to the local population.

3. Restaurants and Eateries: Small family-owned restaurants, taquerias (taco shops), and food stalls serving local cuisine.

4. Repair Services: Auto repair shops, appliance repair services, and other small-scale repair businesses.

5. Basic Healthcare: Local clinics, pharmacies, and general practitioners providing basic medical services.

Provide an example of primate city in your country. 

Mexico City is considered the primate city of Mexico. A primate city is a city that is disproportionately larger and more influential than other cities in the same country.

Mexico City's primacy is evident from the following factors:

1. Population Size: With a metropolitan population of around 21.6 million (as of 2020), Mexico City is significantly larger than any other city in Mexico, dwarfing the second-largest city, Guadalajara (5.3 million).

2. Economic Dominance: Mexico City accounts for a substantial portion of the country's economic output, housing major industries, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters.

3. Political and Administrative Center: As the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is the seat of the federal government, hosting the presidential residence, government ministries, and foreign embassies.

4. Cultural Influence: The city is a cultural hub, home to renowned museums, historic sites, and vibrant artistic and intellectual communities, exerting significant cultural influence nationwide.

Apply the Gravity model to several cities in your country and explain what it means.

Here's an example of applying the Gravity model to several cities in Mexico:

Let's consider the interaction (e.g., migration, trade, or transportation flow) between Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Mexico City population: 21.6 million Guadalajara population: 5.3 million Monterrey population: 5.1 million

Distance between Mexico City and Guadalajara: approximately 500 km Distance between Mexico City and Monterrey: approximately 900 km

According to the Gravity model, the interaction between Mexico City and Guadalajara would be stronger than the interaction between Mexico City and Monterrey, assuming all other factors are equal. This is because:

1. Mexico City and Guadalajara have larger combined populations than Mexico City and Monterrey.

2. The distance between Mexico City and Guadalajara is shorter than the distance between Mexico City and Monterrey.