Rural land area (sq. km)

This indicator measures the expanse of land designated as rural, quantified in square kilometers, and is meticulously derived from urban extent grids. These grids utilize a combination of population density assessments, settlement markers, and Nighttime Lights data to effectively distinguish between urban and rural landscapes. An area is classified as urban if there are relevant contiguous lighted cells or if it hosts settlement points with populations exceeding 5,000 individuals. Thus, the assessment provides a clear view of land utilization patterns, offering insights into the distribution of human activity across different terrains. Understanding rural land area is crucial for planning, resource allocation, and cultural preservation, as it reflects both the ecological integrity and socio-economic dynamics present in these regions. Source: