Geography – 1. Population and settlement | e-Consult

Urban settlements serve a wide range of functions, which can be broadly categorised as:

• Commercial: These settlements are centres for buying and selling goods and services. They often have a large number of shops, offices, and financial institutions.
  Example: London, Manchester.
• Industrial: These settlements are centres for manufacturing and production. They typically have factories, warehouses, and associated infrastructure. However, many industrial settlements have undergone regeneration and now have a mix of uses.
  Example: Sheffield (historically steel).
• Administrative: These settlements are centres for government and public services. They often have government offices, courts, and other public buildings.
  Example: Westminster, Whitehall.
• Cultural: These settlements are centres for arts, entertainment, and education. They often have museums, galleries, theatres, and universities.
  Example: Edinburgh, Oxford.
• Transport: These settlements are important hubs for the movement of people and goods. They often have major railway stations, airports, and ports.
  Example: Liverpool, Birmingham.

The functions of an urban settlement can vary depending on its size, location, and history. Larger cities tend to have a wider range of functions than smaller towns. Some cities are increasingly focused on tertiary (service) industries, such as finance, technology, and tourism.