Definition of Rural settlements

Rural settlements are human communities located outside of urban areas, typically characterized
by low population density, agricultural and/or natural resource-based economies, and a more
traditional way of life. Rural settlements can range in size from small villages to larger towns, and
are often located in remote or sparsely populated areas.

Rural settlements are often distinguished from urban settlements by their smaller size, lower
population density, and lower levels of economic development. They are often characterized by a
strong sense of community and social cohesion, and may have a more traditional way of life that
is closely tied to agriculture and natural resource-based industries.

In many countries, rural settlements are an important part of the national economy, providing
food and natural resources, and supporting a variety of industries such as tourism and recreation.
However, rural settlements can also face significant challenges, including limited access to
infrastructure and services, low levels of economic development, and environmental pressures.

Overall, rural settlements are an important part of the human landscape, and understanding their
characteristics and dynamics is crucial for promoting sustainable rural development and
improving the well-being of rural populations.

Characteristics of Rural settlements

Rural settlements have several characteristics that distinguish them from urban settlements.
These characteristics can vary depending on the specific context and location, but some common
features of rural settlements include:

1. Low population density: Rural settlements are typically characterized by low population
densities, with fewer people living in a larger land area.
2. Agricultural and/or natural resource-based economies: Rural settlements often have
economies that are based on agriculture and/or natural resource extraction, such as
forestry, mining, or fishing.
3. Traditional way of life: Rural settlements often have a more traditional way of life, with
strong social and cultural ties to the land and the community.
4. Small size: Rural settlements are often small in size, with fewer buildings and
infrastructure compared to urban areas.
5. Limited access to services and amenities: Rural settlements may have limited access to
services and amenities such as healthcare, education, and transportation, due to their
remote location.
6. Strong sense of community: Rural settlements often have a strong sense of community,
with close social ties between residents and a shared sense of identity.
7. Environmental and natural resource management: Rural settlements often have a close
relationship with the natural environment and may have unique environmental and
natural resource management practices that are based on local knowledge and traditions.

Overall, rural settlements are characterized by their remote location, low population density,
traditional way of life, and unique relationship with the natural environment. These characteristics
can present challenges, but also offer opportunities for promoting sustainable rural development
and improving the well-being of rural populations.
Types and patterns of Rural settlements
There are several types and patterns of rural settlements that can be observed around the world.
These types and patterns can vary depending on the local geography, history, culture, and
economic activities of the area. Here are some examples:

1. Linear settlements: Linear settlements are characterized by a series of buildings that are
arranged in a line along a transportation route such as a road, river or railway. This type
of settlement is often found in areas with a narrow, linear geographic feature like a valley
or ridge.
2. Clustered settlements: Clustered settlements are characterized by buildings that are
grouped closely together, often around a central feature such as a church or market. This
type of settlement is common in areas with limited resources or difficult terrain, as
clustering can provide a sense of security and allow for shared resources.
3. Dispersed settlements: Dispersed settlements are characterized by buildings that are
scattered throughout a larger area, often with significant distances between them. This
type of settlement is common in areas with abundant resources or in sparsely populated
areas where individual families or groups may choose to live independently.
4. Nucleated settlements: Nucleated settlements are characterized by a central core of
buildings surrounded by fields or other land uses. This type of settlement is often found
in areas with a strong agricultural tradition, as it allows for easy access to fields and
resources.
5. Walled settlements: Walled settlements are characterized by a surrounding wall or
fortification that provides protection against outside threats. This type of settlement is
common in areas with a history of conflict or where security is a concern.
6. Planned settlements: Planned settlements are characterized by a deliberate design or
layout, often created for a specific purpose such as a new town or a resettlement
program. This type of settlement is common in areas experiencing rapid population
growth or in need of new infrastructure and services.

Overall, the type and pattern of rural settlement is influenced by a variety of factors, including the
local geography, history, culture, and economic activities of the area. Understanding these
patterns can help inform strategies for rural development and planning.

Their distribution with special reference to spacing

The distribution of rural settlements with respect to spacing can vary depending on the region
and specific context. The spacing between rural settlements can have important implications for
factors such as economic development, social networks, and access to services and resources.
Here are some examples of different types of spacing patterns:

1. Compact settlements: Compact rural settlements are characterized by buildings that are
located closely together, often with little space between them. This type of spacing
pattern is common in areas with limited resources or difficult terrain, as clustering can
provide a sense of security and allow for shared resources.
2. Scattered settlements: Scattered rural settlements are characterized by buildings that are
widely dispersed across the landscape, often with significant distances between them.
This type of spacing pattern is common in sparsely populated areas or in regions with
 abundant resources, where individual families or groups may choose to live
independently.
3. Dispersed settlements: Dispersed rural settlements are similar to scattered settlements,
but with a slightly closer spacing pattern. In dispersed settlements, buildings may still be
widely dispersed across the landscape, but with less distance between them than in
scattered settlements.
4. Linear settlements: Linear rural settlements are characterized by a series of buildings that
are arranged in a line along a transportation route such as a road, river or railway. This
type of spacing pattern is often found in areas with a narrow, linear geographic feature
like a valley or ridge.
5. Nucleated settlements: Nucleated rural settlements are characterized by a central core of
buildings surrounded by fields or other land uses. This type of spacing pattern is often
found in areas with a strong agricultural tradition, as it allows for easy access to fields and
resources.

Overall, the spacing pattern of rural settlements is influenced by a variety of factors, including the
local geography, history, culture, and economic activities of the area. Understanding these
patterns can help inform strategies for rural development and planning, including decisions
about infrastructure, services, and land use.

Rural house type based on building material, size and shape

Rural house types can vary widely based on building materials, size, and shape. Here are some
examples of common rural house types based on these characteristics:

1. Log Cabin: A log cabin is a type of rural house constructed from logs or timber. Log
cabins are often small in size, with a simple rectangular or square shape.
2. Adobe House: An adobe house is a type of rural house constructed from mud or clay
bricks. Adobe houses are common in arid regions where the local soil is suitable for
building with adobe. They are often rectangular in shape and have thick walls to help
regulate temperature.
3. Stone House: A stone house is a type of rural house constructed from stone or rock.
Stone houses are common in areas with abundant local stone, such as mountainous
regions or rocky coastlines. They can vary in size and shape, from small cottages to larger
farmhouses.
4. Thatched Cottage: A thatched cottage is a type of rural house with a thatched roof made
from straw or other plant materials. Thatched cottages are common in areas with a long
tradition of thatching, such as parts of the UK and Ireland. They are often small in size
and have a simple rectangular or L-shaped floor plan.
5. Farmhouse: A farmhouse is a type of rural house typically associated with a working farm.
Farmhouses can vary in size and shape, but are often larger than other rural house types
to accommodate multiple generations of a family and the needs of the farm. They may be
constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, or brick.

Overall, rural house types can vary widely based on building materials, size, and shape.
Understanding the local building traditions and resources can help inform decisions about the
design and construction of rural houses.
based on size and shape
Here are some additional examples of rural house types based on size and shape:

1. Cottage: A cottage is a small, cozy rural house typically one or one and a half stories tall.
Cottages are often rectangular or L-shaped in shape and may have a gable or hipped
roof. They are common in rural areas where smaller, simpler housing is desired.
2. Bungalow: A bungalow is a type of rural house that is usually one story tall and has a low-
pitched roof. Bungalows are often small in size, but may have additional rooms built into
the attic or basement. They are typically rectangular or square in shape.
3. Chalet: A chalet is a type of rural house often associated with mountainous regions.
Chalets typically have a steeply pitched roof, exposed wood beams, and a balcony or
terrace. They are often built from wood or stone and may have a rectangular or L-shaped
floor plan.
4. Ranch House: A ranch house is a type of rural house that is usually one story tall and has
a low-pitched roof. Ranch houses are typically long and rectangular in shape, with an
open floor plan and a porch or patio. They are common in rural areas where larger, more
spacious housing is desired.
5. Manor House: A manor house is a large, stately rural house often associated with wealthy
landowners or estates. Manor houses may have multiple stories and a complex floor plan,
with features such as a grand entrance hall, multiple sitting rooms, and formal dining
rooms. They may be constructed from a variety of materials, including stone, brick, or
wood.

Overall, rural house types can vary widely based on size and shape, with each type reflecting local
building traditions, materials, and cultural influences.