Human Settlement
Human settlement refers to clusters of dwellings where human beings live, incorporating various types and sizes of communities, from hamlets to metropolitan cities. Settlements involve a grouping of people within a defined territory that serves as a resource base for their economic activities.
Types of Settlements
- Rural Settlements:
- Classification: Based on size and density, rural settlements can be compact (clustered villages), semi-clustered, hamleted, or dispersed. Factors like physical features, cultural aspects, and security drive their arrangement.
- Examples:
- Clustered settlements are tightly packed areas, while dispersed settlements consist of isolated huts or fragmented areas.
- Urban Settlements: Urban areas are characterized by larger population sizes and a range of functions beyond agriculture, including manufacturing and services. These towns grow and connect through economic networks, influencing rural areas around them.
Conclusion
Understanding human settlements involves recognizing their dynamic nature influenced by historical evolution, social structures, and economic bases.