What defines an urban area?

An urban area is characterized by its high population density and the presence of built environments such as cities and towns. One key defining factor is that it is typically situated within city limits and is extensively connected by public utilities, such as water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and transportation networks. This infrastructure supports the economic, social, and cultural activities that are prevalent in urban settings.

In contrast, other regions that do not possess this level of connectivity or density tend to exhibit different characteristics. For example, areas with a focus on agriculture generally have low population density and are not classified as urban. Heavily industrialized areas might still fit within urban definitions, but not all urban areas are primarily industrial. Lastly, regions characterized by vast open spaces and low populations would generally be defined as rural, which stands in opposition to the concept of an urban area. Thus, the defining characteristic of urban areas lies in their infrastructure and population density, reinforcing the idea that option C accurately encapsulates what defines an urban area.