What is Rural?

A rural area also known as countryside or village is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood along with fishing, cottage industries, pottery etc. The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) defines ‘rural’ as follows:

• An area with a population density of up to 400 per square kilometer,
• Villages with clear surveyed boundaries but no municipal board,
• A minimum of 75% of male working population involved in agriculture and allied activities.

In India, 65 per cent (2021 data) of the country’s population lives in the rural areas and 47 per cent of the population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Uttar Pradesh has the largest percentage of rural population in India. It has 155 million rural population. It is the 18.6 % of total rural population of India. Rural area have the following features:

• Sparse population spread across a larger geographic area.
• Agriculture is the main occupation along ith fishery and livestock.
• Presence of open spaces, forests, and natural surroundings.
• Settlements consist of villages or small towns.
• Basic infrastructure with fewer amenities and services.
• Close interpersonal relationships and strong community ties.
• Facilities like healthcare, educational, and recreational facilities are limited.
• Emphasis on traditional customs and ways of life.
• Fewer industrial and commercial activities compared to urban areas.
• More reliance on personal vehicles and limited public transportation facilities available.
• Communities may be more self-sufficient for basic needs.

Difference Between Urban and Rural: Urban and rural are classifications that define the types of human settlements and environments. These terms help distinguish between densely populated, developed urban areas with diverse economic opportunities, and less densely populated, often agriculturally oriented areas rural areas with a focus on community ties and nature. They are used to describe and categorize different geographic and demographic characteristics of communities and are influenced by factors such as economic activities, infrastructure, and lifestyle.