Rural areas are those geographical areas that are not located near towns. In most cases, they are known as farming areas. It is the opposite of urban areas which is characterized by buildings and where people work and live.
Rural vs Urban
Rural areas are characterized by scattered villages with open spaces and natural plantations. The population density in these areas is low. The main source of income in rural settings is farming.
Urban settings are man-made environments which are populated. Towns and suburban areas are also classified as urban areas. Urban centers are populated and chances are that there are better employment opportunities.
Comparison Table Between Rural and Urban (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Urban | Rural |
|---|---|---|
| Life | Urban life is fast and involving | Life in rural areas is relaxed and simple |
| Include | Urban areas include cities and towns | Rural areas include villages and smaller settlements (hamlet) |
| Definition | An area where people work and live. It is highly populated and possesses features of an established environment | The area located away from towns and cities. |
| Associated with | Urban settings are associated with trade, commerce or provision of services (Non-agricultural work) | Rural areas are associated with agriculture and livestock |
| Environment | Urban areas are secluded from nature | Rural areas are in direct contact with nature |
| Development | Urban areas have settlement plans in place. Developments in these areas occur depending on urbanization and industrialization. | These areas develop at random depending on the availability of natural plants. |
| Social Mobility | It is highly intensive | It is less intensive |
| Division of labor | Division of labor is always available during allotment of the job | There is no division of labor |
| Size of Population | Urban centers are densely populated | Rural settings are scarcely populated |
What is Rural Area
A rural area is an open environment with huge tracts of land with few homes and other buildings. In rural areas, the population is very low. Homes and businesses are located a few miles from each other.
In most rural areas agriculture is the main economic activity. Most of the rural area inhabitants live or work on farms. People and buildings are absent but the presence of wildlife is constant. Life in these areas is simple as people can meet and interact more often. In most cases, rural residents are seen as peasants, rustic, and isolated.