.png)
Settlements, Urbanisation, Functional Classification of Towns, Million-Cities & Megacities – UPSC Geography Notes
Overview: Human settlements and urbanisation are key themes in Human Geography. Understanding how rural and urban settlements evolve, how towns and cities are classified, and what makes a million-city or megacity is essential for UPSC GS1 and Geography Optional.
Table of Contents
- 1. Settlements – Meaning and Types
- 2. Rural Settlements
- 3. Urban Settlements
- 4. Urbanisation – Meaning and Causes
- 5. Problems of Urbanisation
- 6. Functional Classification of Towns
- 7. Million-Cities
- 8. Megacities
- 9. UPSC Quick Revision Notes
- 10. Previous Year Question
1. Settlements – Meaning and Types
A settlement is a place where people live, work and organize their social and economic activities. It varies in size, pattern, and function.
Types of Settlements
- Rural Settlements – dispersed or compact; primary activities dominate.
- Urban Settlements – nucleated; secondary & tertiary activities dominate.
2. Rural Settlements
Rural settlements are closely linked to agriculture and natural resources.
Characteristics
- Low population density
- Primary activities (agriculture, fishing, forestry)
- Simple lifestyle and community-based living
- Lower levels of services and infrastructure
Types of Rural Settlement Patterns
- Clustered (Nucleated) – houses close together.
- Dispersed – houses scattered across fields.
- Linear – along roads, rivers, canals.
- Hamleted – small clusters within larger settlement.
3. Urban Settlements
Urban settlements are centres of trade, industry, and services.
Characteristics
- High population density
- Diverse economy – industry, services, commerce
- Advanced infrastructure
- Higher living standards
Criteria for Urban Areas (India – Census)
- Population ≥ 5,000
- 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities
- Population density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km
4. Urbanisation – Meaning and Causes
Urbanisation is the process by which the proportion of urban population increases over time.
Main Causes of Urbanisation
- Industrialisation – creates jobs and attracts migrants.
- Rural–urban migration – push and pull factors.
- Natural increase – higher birth rate in cities.
- Expansion of towns – merging of rural areas with cities.
5. Problems of Urbanisation
- Slums and informal settlements
- Traffic congestion
- Air and water pollution
- Shortage of housing
- Waste management issues
- Urban unemployment
6. Functional Classification of Towns
Towns are classified based on their main economic function.
Major Functional Types
- Administrative Towns – Delhi, Washington DC
- Trading and Commercial Towns – Mumbai, Dubai
- Industrial Towns – Jamshedpur, Detroit
- Mining Towns – Dhanbad, Ruhr (Germany)
- Transport Towns – Chicago (rail hub), Rotterdam (port)
- Tourist Towns – Goa, Jaipur, Venice
- Educational Towns – Oxford, Cambridge, Kota
- Cultural Towns – Varanasi, Kyoto
- Garrison Towns – Ambala, Jhansi, Rawalpindi
7. Million-Cities
A million-city is a city with a population of 1 million (10 lakh) or more.
Examples (India)
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
India has over **50+ million-plus cities** (as per Census).
8. Megacities
A megacity is a city with a population of 10 million (1 crore) or more.
Characteristics
- Extremely high population density
- Complex transport network
- Urban sprawl
- Massive economic concentration
Examples
- Tokyo (Japan)
- Delhi (India)
- Mumbai (India)
- Shanghai (China)
- New York (USA)
- São Paulo (Brazil)
9. UPSC Quick Revision Notes
Rural → dispersed/clustered; primary activities.
Urban → nucleated; secondary & tertiary activities.
Urbanisation → movement of population to urban areas.
Million city → 1 million+ people.
Megacity → 10 million+ people.
Functional classification → administrative, industrial, mining, transport, tourist, cultural, educational towns.
10. Previous Year Question
Q. Which one of the following is NOT a characteristic of megacities?
(a) High population density
(b) Low economic activity
(c) Urban sprawl
(d) Complex transport networks
Answer: (b) Low economic activity
Related Keywords
Settlements UPSC Notes, Urbanisation, Functional Towns, Million Cities, Megacities, Human Geography, NCERT Class XII Summary.
Sources: NCERT Class XII – Human Geography, Census of India, UN World Urbanization Prospects (simplified).
Next Topic → Transport, Communication & Trade – UPSC Notes
