What are rural settlements? What are the two types of the rural settlements in the world? How are they different from each other? Give three points of distinction.

Rural settlements are most closely and directly related to land. They are dominated by primary activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing etc. The settlements size is relatively small.

The two types of the rural settlements in the world:

(i) Compact or Nucleated settlements

(ii) Dispersed Settlements

Difference:

(i) Compact or Nucleated settlements are those in which large number of houses are built very close to each other while dispersed settlements, houses are spaced far apart and often interspersed with fields.

(ii) Compact or Nucleated settlements develop along river valleys and in fertile plains. Whereas in dispersed Settlements, cultural feature such as a place of worship or a market, binds the settlement together.

(iii) Communities are closely knit and share common occupations in compact or nucleated settlements.