What is the term for the area surrounding a settlement?

The term that accurately describes the area surrounding a settlement is "periphery." This concept refers to the outer edges or areas that encompass the central settlement, influencing its development, economic interactions, and social dynamics. The periphery is significant as it often includes rural areas, suburbs, and industrial zones that are functionally connected to the urban core, impacting how the settlement operates.

In contrast, "environment" typically refers to the broader ecological context within which a settlement exists, including both natural and built elements. "Situation" pertains more to the location of a settlement concerning geographical features and its relationships with surrounding areas. "Locale," while related to a specific place, does not specifically denote the surrounding area in the same way that "periphery" does. Thus, understanding the periphery is crucial for analyzing urban influence and patterns of land use.