Types of Urban Settlements

A human settlement having high population density and good infrastructure development is called an urban area. It is also called a built-up area. Urban settlements are concentrated in these developed areas. Most of the population in urban areas has a non-agricultural background. They are more inclined towards modern jobs. People in urban areas tend to change their jobs frequently. Urban settlements are close-packed.

Urban lifestyle is more fast-paced and exciting. They are larger compared to rural settlements. The standard of living is high in urban areas. Larger the settlement, the larger the range of facilities. This increases the sphere of influence of these urban settlements. The growth and potential of urban areas are higher than that of rural areas. Changing a rural area into an urban area is called urbanisation.

Stages of urban settlements

1. The nuclear stage

   It refers to the central area of a town inside a wall. These towns are often historical centres—for example, Paris and Moscow.

2. The modern stage

   This stage happens when there is a massive development in motor transport. This leads to a suburban settlement.

3. The formative stage
   
   In this stage, the settlement is outside the clustered centre area. The houses are along the transport lines.

Stages of growth of urban settlements

1. The infantile stage

   When the residential and commercial regions cannot be separated, it is in the infantile stage. Buildings are distributed all over the place carelessly.

2. The juvenile stage

   The horizon of the houses rises. Factories are also built in this stage.

3. The mature stage

   There is a division of residential and commercial areas. New city-states are formed during this stage. Cities having this stage are Delhi, London, Ontario, etc.

4. Senility

   The growth of urban settlement stops. There is a steady decline in the economic growth of that area.

Types of Urban Settlements

1. Town

   A town is the closest term to a rural settlement. The difference between a town and a village is small. The availability of resources is the major factor. Development and infrastructure are a bit nicer in towns. Basic facilities are introduced more in town compared to villages.

2. City

   Cities are much larger in size and population than towns. They also have greater economic functions. Transportation, quality of life, education, etc., are more developed. Cities provide a great opportunity to live a better life for everyone.

3. Conurbation

   Conurbation is applied to large areas of urban settlement that are combined. These towns or cities were separated at first. Examples of the conurbation are the cities of Tokyo and Greater London.

4. Megalopolis

   This is defined as the “great city.” Megalopolis is a super urban combination of various cities. It can also be termed as a super metropolitan area. The urban settlement of Boston in the north to Washington in the south of the United States is a great example.

Difference between Rural Settlements and Urban Settlements

Urban areas and rural areas are kind of opposite to each other. We can consider many factors, but these are the most important ones.

• Definitions

A human settlement having high population density and good infrastructure development is called an urban area. Areas located on the outskirts are called rural areas. Rural settlements are located far from the sphere of influence

• Lifestyle

Urban lifestyle is more fast-paced and exciting. It can be complicated sometimes. The rural lifestyle is more relaxed. People find peace in the rural lifestyle due to its simple nature

• Occupation association

In urban settlements, most of the population is busy with non-agricultural work. This work includes trade, service, and industry. People in urban areas tend to change their jobs frequently. In rural settlements, most of the population is engaged in agricultural work. They have been associated with the same occupation for a long time

• Size of population

Urban settlements are densely populated—the higher the quality of life and opportunities, the higher the population. Rural settlements have a sparse population. These are associated with agriculture-based jobs

• Progress or development

Urban settlements are planned systematically. The process of urbanisation and industrialisation ensures this planning. Rural settlements are not well planned. This planning is dependent on the accessibility of natural resources

Conclusion

A human settlement having high population density and good infrastructure development is called an urban area. It is also called a built-up area. Urban settlements are concentrated in these developed areas. Most of the population in urban areas has a non-agricultural background. The process of changing a rural area into an urban area is called urbanisation. Towns, cities, conurbations, megalopolis, and million cities include the major urban settlements. Urban areas and rural areas are kind of opposite to each other. People in urban areas tend to change their jobs frequently. In rural settlements, most of the population is engaged in agricultural work. They have been associated with the same occupation for a long time.