Human Settlements

Human Settlement

A cluster of dwellings of any type or size where human beings live, organize their economic activities, and interact with the environment.

Compact vs. Dispersed Settlements

Compact settlements are closely built-up areas where living space is shared, commonly found in fertile river plains. Dispersed settlements consist of isolated huts or hamlets spread over a wide area, typical of hilly tracts or arid regions.

Rural Settlements

Settlements closely tied to land and primary activities like agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing, often categorized into clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed patterns.

Urban Settlements

Settlements dominated by secondary and tertiary activities, characterized by non-agricultural functions, higher population density, and complex administrative structures like municipalities and corporations.

Functional Classification of Towns

Categorization of urban centers based on their dominant economic functions, such as administrative towns, industrial towns, transport cities, commercial hubs, and religious centers.