(a) (i) Explain the term settlement (ii) Name two major types of settlement (b) Highlight any four factors that influence the location of settlements (c) Ou...

(a)(i) Explanation of settlement

A settlement is any place where people live, ranging from a single dwelling to a large city, together with the buildings and structures they use for shelter and other activities. It is a place where human beings have established their homes and carry on their daily life.

(a)(ii) Two major types of settlement

• Rural settlement (villages and hamlets, mainly agricultural).
• Urban settlement (towns and cities, mainly non-agricultural).

(By pattern they may also be grouped as nucleated/compact or dispersed/scattered.)

(b) Four factors that influence the location of settlements

• Water supply: people settle near rivers, springs, lakes and wells (wet-point sites).
• Relief: flat, gently sloping and well-drained land is preferred; steep slopes and flood-prone or marshy ground are avoided (dry-point sites).
• Fertile soil: good farmland attracts settlement because it supports food production.
• Others: availability of minerals, good transport routes, security/defence, and a favourable climate.

(c) Four functions of settlements (with examples)

• Administrative / political function - seat of government, e.g. Abuja.
• Commercial / trading function - major markets and business centres, e.g. Lagos, Onitsha, Kano.
• Industrial / mining function - manufacturing or mining towns, e.g. Warri (oil), Jos (tin mining).
• Educational / religious function - university or religious centres, e.g. Ile-Ife, Mecca, Jerusalem. (Others include port, tourist and residential functions.)