Human Settlements

Houses are located near either side of roads, rivers or canals.

Rural settlements are dominated by primary activities. Like –Agriculture, fishing.

It has the world’s oldest well documented urban settlement.

42 cities in India have attained the million status at the beginning of 2006.

Natural resources can help to create adequate social infrastructure creating to the needs of the large population in the developing countries.`

Linear Pattern

Nucleated pattern

Pattern Isolated pattern

Dispersed Pattern

Rural Urban Settlement

Settlement

• On the basis of setting Population Size

• On the basis of functions Occupation

• On the basis of forms or Location

Shapes of the settlement Administration

In human geography, the study of human settlement is very important. It is very essential and basic to human geography. The form of settlement in any particular region reflects the human relationship with the environment.

Rural Settlement- Settlements in villages are known as rural settlements.

It refers to a small settlement which is outside the boundaries of a city, commercial or industrial area. Their main work is agricultural, animal husbandry, fishing, etc.

Characteristics of Rural Settlements-

• These are smaller in size.

• These lack in modern facilities.

• Most people are engaged in agriculture, fishing, and other primary activities.

• The density of population is not very high.

• People participate in cultural activities.

Urban Settlement- Settlements in urban areas are known as Urban Settlements. People are engaged in secondary and tertiary activities.

Characteristics of Urban Settlements-

• In urban settlements density of population is high.

• Most people are engaged in in the secondary sector and tertiary sector.

• These settlements are well planned.

• Urban settlements are large in size.

• In urban settlements facilities of roads, electricity, and water supply are good and modern.

The problems associated with urban settlements in developing countries are-

• Poor hygienic conditions of living- the Main problem in developing countries is poor hygienic conditions of living. People in developing countries dispose of a huge quantity of water and all types of water materials inappropriately.

• Lack of basic amenities- An improper sewerage system creates an unhealthy condition. The massive use of traditional fuel in the domestic, as well as the industrial sector, severely pollutes the environment.

• People flock to cities to avail of employment opportunities. Shortage of housing, vertical expansion, and growth of slums are characteristics features of modern cities of developing countries.

• Insufficient financial resources fail to create adequate social infrastructure catering to the basic needs of the huge population.

• People remain beyond the facilities of education and health in developing countries. Many people were indulging in crime due to a lack of job opportunities. Selective migration of the only male tends to create the imbalance of sex ration in developing countries.