Geographical Analysis of Rural Settlement Size Distribution in the Kifri Region

Abstract

The spatial distribution of rural settlements is a key topic in rural geography, as it reveals settlement patterns and the factors influencing their location. This study examines a historically significant district within the Garmian Administration of the Kurdistan Region. The study area covers approximately 15,287.8 km² and lies between ( ) N and ( ) E, about 35 km from the administrative center of Garmian.

The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the changes that occurred during the study period in the pattern and size of the spatial distribution of rural settlements in the study area, and to examine the impact of these changes on regional development. The study seeks to provide a planning basis for achieving economic, social, and environmental balance, and for establishing population equilibrium between urban and rural areas.

The study adopts regional, analytical, and comparative approaches, and employs statistical and mathematical techniques, in addition to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS 10.8). There is no doubt that any scientific research needs one or more research methods to become a scientific process for all steps in the research. The most important methods used in this study are the comparative method and quantitative analysis of places in geography.

In Kurdistan, it is located between the two circles of latitude (35° 〖10〗^' 〖25〗^''-34° 〖25〗^' 15'') north latitude and longitude (44° 〖30〗^' 〖30〗^''-45° 〖15〗^' 60'') East Degree. It consists of the districts of (Center, Sarqala, Awaspi, Cox, Najul). It is located 35 km from the center of Garmian administration. See Map

Regarding the time limit, the study emphasizes the distribution of rural settlements in 2023 in the study area, which was (133) rural settlements.