Settlement Geography – Cambridge IGCSE & IB Study Guide
Settlement geography explores the distribution, structure, and function of human settlements. It helps learners understand how and why people choose specific locations to live, from small isolated huts to mega metropolitan cities.
What Is Settlement Geography?
Settlement geography is the analysis of human settlement patterns, including:
The location and structure of towns and villages
The functions they serve (e.g., commercial, religious, residential)
The factors influencing growth (resources, transportation, climate, etc.)
🏡 Types of Settlements
Isolated dwelling – A single home in a rural area
Hamlet – Small cluster of houses without services
Village – Offers basic services like schools or markets
Town – Larger, includes multiple services and housing
City/Metropolis – Dense population, diverse services, high connectivity
🧭 Factors Influencing Settlement Location
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Supply | Near rivers, lakes (e.g., Nile Valley) |
| Relief | Flat land is easier to build on |
| Soil Fertility | For agriculture and food security |
| Accessibility | Proximity to roads, trade routes, transport nodes |
| Defense | Settlements on hills/ridges for protection (historically) |
🏙️ Settlement Patterns
Linear – Along a road or river
Nucleated – Clustered around a central point (e.g., church, market)
Dispersed – Spread out over a large area (rural regions)
🎯 Functions of Settlements
Market towns
Port towns
Mining towns
Tourist resorts
Residential suburbs
📚 For IGCSE & IB Learners
This content is ideal for:
Cambridge IGCSE Geography Paper 1 (0460)
IB Geography SL/HL – Urban Environments + Population Topics
O-Level Geography students focusing on settlement evolution
Each concept is backed with case studies, diagrams, and sample questions that reflect current exam standards.
