Rural and Urban Areas

Definition

Rural areas refer to non-urban or less densely populated regions characterized by a lower population density and a greater emphasis on agriculture, forestry, and natural resource-based activities. On the other hand, urban areas are regions with high population density and vast human-built structures such as buildings, roads, transportation systems, etc., typically associated with industrialization and urban lifestyles.

Related terms

Suburban Areas: Suburban areas are residential communities surrounding cities that offer a compromise between rural and urban living. They provide proximity to both job opportunities in the city center while retaining some aspects of suburban life like larger houses and quieter neighborhoods.

Megacity: A megacity is an extremely large city with a population exceeding 10 million residents. These cities often face unique challenges due to their size but also offer various economic opportunities for their inhabitants.

Urban Sprawl: Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding undeveloped land. It often leads to low-density developments without proper planning or infrastructure provisions.