Theory question 102
Settlement(a) Explain the term settlement. (b) Describe four characteristics of an urban settlement. (c) Outline four functions which an urban settlement can perform for a rural settlement.
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(a) A settlement is a place where people live and carry out activities, made up of buildings and the routes linking them; it ranges from a single homestead to a city.
(b) Large population and high density; most people work in secondary and tertiary jobs; many social amenities (schools, hospitals, water, electricity); well-planned roads and transport; tall buildings and varied land use; heterogeneous population; administrative and commercial functions.
(c) Market for farm produce; supply of manufactured goods; services such as hospitals, secondary schools and banks; employment; administration; spread of innovation and information; transport links.
Contrast urban features with rural ones.