Abstract
The depopulation is one of the biggest problems in the rural areas. In this study, we made a questionnaire survey on Region Characteristics to the representatives of rural communities in Sasayama city, Hyogo prefecture. We also calculated the population ratios of the thirties in each community that we regard as an important index of settlement. Then, we classified rural communities of Sasayama city into 3 using their own Region Characteristics. After that, we analyzed the relationship between each type and the population ratios of the thirties and other indexes of settlement. As the results, we found the settlement must be promoted by Region Characteristics.
