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Explain the importance of hierarchy and hinterland in Central Place Theory - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2014
Question C
Explain the importance of hierarchy and hinterland in Central Place Theory. 
Answer
Hierarchy in Central Place Theory refers to the organization of settlements based on the size and range of the services they provide. Larger settlements, such as cities, provide higher-order goods and services, while smaller settlements, like villages, provide lower-order goods. This hierarchical structure ensures that residents have access to necessary services based on their location, thus enhancing economic efficiency.
Furthermore, the hierarchy helps determine the distribution of the population, directing rural residents towards larger urban centers for higher-order services, thereby fostering economic growth and urbanization.
Step 2
Importance of Hinterland
Answer
The hinterland is the area surrounding a settlement from which it draws customers for its goods and services. It is essential in Central Place Theory as it influences the economic viability of a settlement.
A larger hinterland implies a wider customer base, supporting the settlement's ability to sustain higher-order services. For instance, cities have expansive hinterlands, allowing them to thrive on the demand for specialized services not provided by smaller towns. Thus, the size of the hinterland is crucial for determining the level of services a central place can offer.