Question

Size and types of settlements.

Answer 1

• Settlements vary in size and type. The size of settlement varies from hamlet to metropolitan town.
• A small settlement could be sparsely spaced and large size settlement could be closely spaced.
• On the basis of spacing between the houses, settlements can be divided into four types such as compact/clustered/nucleated /dispersed settlements, semi clustered or fragmented settlements and isolated settlements etc.
• Economic character and social structure of settlement varies with the size of settlement.
• Settlements can also be divided into two types on the basis of their function namely rural settlements and urban settlements.
• Due to large population in urban areas, urban settlements are compact and larger in size.
• Rural settlements are semi-clustered or fragmented and smaller in size.
• In urban settlements there are various functions such as industrial, commercial, administrative, educational, religious, cantonment, tourism etc., therefore urban settlements are multifunctional.
• Some cities are known by their functional importance. 
• For example, Allahabad is known as a religious centre, Jaipur is known as a tourist centre.
• Secondary and tertiary activities are more developed in urban settlements.
• In rural settlements primary activities are more developed compared to secondary and tertiary activities.
• In rural settlements agriculture is the main function and other activities related to agriculture such as livestock rearing, tree crops growing, lumbering, fishing are developed.