Human Geography: Types of Economic Settlements

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of human geography?

The examination of the social, economic, and cultural aspects of human populations

What type of economic settlement is characterized by a high concentration of people and economic activities?

Urban Settlement

Which of the following is a physical factor influencing economic settlements?

Climate and natural resources

What is the primary sector of economic activity in settlements?

Extraction of natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of urbanization?

Increased access to education and healthcare Signup and view all the answers

Which economic system is characterized by government control and centralized planning?

Command Economy Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of globalization on economic settlements?

Job outsourcing and cultural homogenization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of specialized settlements?

Serve a specific purpose or function Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Geography and Economic Settlements

Definition of Human Geography

Study of the relationship between humans and their environment
Examines how people interact with and shape their surroundings
Focuses on the social, economic, and cultural aspects of human populations

Types of Economic Settlements

Rural Settlements: scattered, dispersed, or nucleated settlements in rural areas
- Examples: farms, villages, and small towns
Urban Settlements: large, densely populated areas with a high concentration of people and economic activities
- Examples: cities, metropolises, and megacities
Specialized Settlements: settlements that serve a specific purpose or function
- Examples: mining towns, resort towns, and military bases

Factors Influencing Economic Settlements

Physical Factors:
- Climate and natural resources
- Topography and accessibility
- Water availability and quality
Human Factors:
- Economic systems and policies
- Transportation and communication networks
- Cultural and social norms

Economic Activities in Settlements

Primary Sector: extraction of natural resources (e.g., agriculture, mining, forestry)
Secondary Sector: manufacturing and processing of raw materials (e.g., factories, construction)
Tertiary Sector: service-oriented industries (e.g., finance, tourism, healthcare)

Urbanization and its Effects

Urbanization: the process of people moving from rural areas to cities
Effects of Urbanization:
- Economic growth and job opportunities
- Increased access to education and healthcare
- Environmental degradation and social inequality

Economic Systems and Settlements

Command Economy: government-controlled economy, often associated with centralized planning and state-owned enterprises
Market Economy: private sector-driven economy, characterized by free market forces and competition
Mixed Economy: combination of government regulation and private enterprise

Globalization and Economic Settlements

Globalization: increased interconnectedness and interdependence of economies worldwide
Effects of Globalization on Settlements:
- Increased economic opportunities and investment
- Job outsourcing and cultural homogenization
- Environmental degradation and social inequality