Final answer:
A primate city is a city that holds a disproportionate share of a country's population and economic power, serving as a central hub for culture, heritage, and economic activity. These cities often exceed the size of the next largest city by more than twice and may or may not be the capital city of their country.
Step-by-step explanation:
A place where a disproportionate share of a country's population and economic power is concentrated is known as a primate city. A primate city is not only significantly larger than the next largest city in the country, often more than twice as large, but also is the embodiment of national culture and heritage. While many might assume that a primate city is the capital, this is not always the case. However, in many parts of the world, including much of Europe, primate cities also serve as the capitals and exhibit a central role in the economy and culture of a country. These cities are often situated in advantageous geographic locations, such as being a port or along a major river, which supports their economic dominance and growth.
In the context of global regions such as the Southern Cone of South America, or the core economic cities like New York, London, and Tokyo, primate cities represent the main centers of economic activity that have substantial influence on the global economy. These cities often experience a high standard of living and encapsulate a large percentage of their respective country's population. The concentration of population and economic activities in primate cities is a significant aspect of urban geography and the spatial distribution of power within a nation.