Key Difference: Urban areas are defined by faster lifestyle, increased technology and high population density. Rural areas are defined by small-tight knit community, with lack of technology and resources.

Human settlement areas are classified depending on lot of things, countries, state, rural, urban, etc. In today’s norms, where you live defines the type of person you are. The most common way to classify a residential area is according to urban and rural. If a place is considered as urban or rural varies depending on country and nations. However, almost all countries agree that in order for a place to classify as urban, it requires having less space between structures and population level must be high.

Urban areas are characterized by having higher population density and vast human features compared to the surrounding areas. Cities, towns are commonly referred to as urban areas. It must also have ongoing urbanization for further development. Metropolitan cities, which include satellite cities, are also considered as urban places. Urban areas have also been characterized by high amounts of pollution (noise and air), large-scale industrialization and faster lifestyles. Pollution in urban areas are high due to the large amount of people, cars, buses, train, factories etc. Industrialization includes factories, machines and offices. It also has a higher employment rate compared to rural areas. Lifestyle in urban areas is considered to be fast paced, where time for little things are not enjoyed. People are often depicted as workaholics or having an active social life. Urbanization also includes having more advance technology and science, where hospitals have more advanced machinery and people have smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc.

Dictionary.com defines ‘urban’ as:

• Of, pertaining to, or designating a city or town.
• Living in a city.
• Characteristic of or accustomed to cities.

Rural areas are characterized with having small, tight-knit communities. Ever seen those shows, where everyone knows everyone else, well that’s a rural community. Villages or small towns are considered to be rural areas. People know each other and are neighbors, friends, etc. Rural areas are classified according their small population and having farming abilities. Many people in rural areas are considered to be farmers. Rural areas are more dependent on natural resources and organic materials. They have small stores and family run business, compared to the big supermarkets in urban areas. Many governments have also taken an active part in trying to further urbanize more rural areas and provide extra help in forms of technology, medical and other resources. Rural areas are more community based people and depend on social gatherings and other similar events. Rural places also have pollution due to lack of large factories.

Dictionary.com defines ‘rural’ as:

• Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the country, country life, or country people; rustic: rural tranquillity.
• Living in the country: the rural population.
• Of or pertaining to agriculture: rural economy.

Image Courtesy: wikipedia.org, mashedreport.com