What is a settlement?

A settlement is a place where people live and establish a community. It can range in size from a small village to a large city. Settlements are essential to human geography because they represent how and where people organize themselves across the land. They can be permanent, like towns and cities, or temporary, like camps used by nomadic groups.

Types of Settlements:

• Rural Settlements: These are small, often spread-out communities in the countryside. They are usually based around farming or other primary activities like mining or fishing.
• Urban Settlements: Larger, more densely populated places such as towns and cities, where most people work in services, trade, or manufacturing.

Functions of a Settlement

A settlement’s function refers to its primary purpose or role. This function can change as the settlement grows or as society changes. Some common settlement functions include:

• Residential: Providing homes for people.
• Industrial: Places where goods are manufactured, such as industrial estates.
• Commercial: Locations where businesses and shops operate.
• Administrative: Towns or cities that serve as government centres.
• Tourism: Settlements, such as coastal resorts or historical cities, attract visitors.
• Market towns: Traditionally, centres where farmers and traders come to buy and sell goods.

Most settlements today serve multiple functions rather than just one.

Site and Situation

• Site: The site of a settlement is the actual land on which it is built. Several factors determine a good site for a settlement, including:
  • Water supply: Settlements often develop near rivers, lakes, or coasts.
  • Relief: Flat or gently sloping land is preferred for building.
  • Soil: Fertile soil is ideal for growing crops.
  • Resources: Access to resources like wood or minerals.
  • Defence: Some settlements developed on higher ground for better defence.
• Situation: The situation of a settlement refers to its location in relation to other places. It considers:
  • Transport links: Proximity to roads, railways, or waterways.
  • Proximity to other settlements: Settlements benefit from being near other towns for trade or protection.
  • Economic activities: Settlements near natural resources like mines or farmland often grow because of the available jobs.

Understanding the site and situation helps explain why settlements were established in certain locations and how they developed over time.