The rural zones Share certain distinctive characteristics, despite the fact that in its definition the particular situation of each region influences.
Among the variables taken into account for its definition are the geographic area, the density of the population, the degree of social and economic integration, the distance with respect to an urban agglomeration, and others.
In general, the concept of rural zone Is opposed to urban zone . One way to characterize the latter is by considering its physical appearance.
Typically, urban areas are located in an urbanized environment, consisting of man-made elements such as roads, buildings, runways and industrial facilities.
In rural areas, however, the environment is natural, consisting of large tracts of open space, forests and agricultural fields.
Highlights of rural areas
Low population density
Generally, population density is measured in number of inhabitants per square kilometer.
An international standard commonly used to determine whether an area is rural or not is that of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This establishes that rural areas have a density of up to 150 people per km 2 . The problem with this parameter is that population densities around the world are very diverse.
In any case, the number of people living in rural areas is much lower than the number of people living in urban areas.
Predominance of agricultural activity
Agricultural activity predominates among the economic activities of rural areas. The term agricultural Refers to the economic sector that carries out work related to the cultivation of plants, especially food, and animal husbandry.
This also includes other related tasks such as soil preparation, marketing, among others.
In recent years, many studies have shown that the number of people involved in agricultural activities in rural areas has been declining, leading to economic diversification.
However, especially in developing countries, agriculture has a preponderant place.
Strong relationship between the inhabitants and the surrounding natural environment
The relationship of the inhabitants of rural areas with the environment is very close.
This relationship is decisive in the construction of their own identities, in the selection of the economic activities to be carried out, in the way of celebrating their parties, in the choice of materials and forms of construction, and others.
In these scenarios, human and non-human life (flora and fauna) establish a symbiotic relationship. There, people learn to share their spaces with nature.
In this way, some animals are domesticated and considered pets. Many plants are also used as ornaments.
Strong social relations among its inhabitants
The fact that the community in these areas is of a small size contributes to the very strong social relations among its inhabitants.
Not only are lasting bonds of friendship established, but many families are related in one way or another.
References
- Sancho Comíns, J. and Reinoso Moreno, D. (2012). Rural delimitation: a key issue in rural development programs. Geographic Studies, Vol. LXXIII, No. 273, July-December, pp. 599-624.
- Reynnells, L. (2016). What is Rural? USDA, National Agricultural Library, Rural Information Center. Retrieved from nal.usda.gov.
- OECD. (2017). OECD Territorial Studies . Morelos, Mexico. OECD Publishing.
- Miyazaki, H., Shad, X., lwao, K. and Shibasaki, R. (2014). Development of a Global Built-Up Area Map Using ASTER Satellite Images and Existing GIS Data. In Q. Weng (Editor), Global Urban Monitoring and Assessment through Earth Observation, pp. 121-142. Florida: CRC Press.
- World Bank. (2007). World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development. World Bank Publications.
- Da Silva, G. (2004). Rural space and territorial dimension of development in MERCOSUR countries. In Davis, B. (Editor), Food, Agriculture and Agricultural Development: Current and Emerging Issues for Economic Analysis and Policy Research (Curemis II). Rome: Food & Agriculture Organization.
- Woods, M. (2010). Rural . New York: Routledge.