The document provides an overview of the scope and key areas of study in the subject of settlement geography. It discusses 5 major areas of study: 1) definitions of rural and urban settlements, 2) settlement site and structure, 3) spatial organization of settlements, 4) the relationship between settlements and the environment, and 5) salient features of human settlements in India. A key point is that over 1 billion people globally lack adequate shelter and live in unacceptable conditions of poverty, with most living in developing countries and urban areas. Understanding settlement geography can help address issues related to rural and urban planning and development.