What is rural? A review of definitions of rural areas based on accessibility and connectivity

The definitions of rural regions are traditionally characterised by the mere distinction from urban areas, considering the population density and the land use. However, this binary approach oversimplifies the real context and neglects the wide variety and the complexity of rural areas, encompassing various functionalities and features. The level of accessibility and the availability of digital connections are two crucial components of these territories that can provide a different perspective in defining rurality. On the one hand, the lack of accessibility due to remoteness, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient mobility services is a key aspect that identifies rural regions. On the other hand, the digital divide also strongly affects rural regions, obstructing their economic opportunities, educational attainment, and overall quality of life for their communities. This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of rurality definitions based on these two features. The study delves into various typologies for classifying rural areas based on their accessibility to different services and infrastructure and gathers existing approaches aimed at evaluating the level of connectivity of the regions. By analysing both approaches, the paper highlights the interplay between these two crucial aspects and offers a more nuanced understanding of the rural areas’ features, recognizing challenges and opportunities. This enriched insight of rurality can be used to design more effective strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable development in rural regions