Hierarchy - GCSE Geography Definition

Hierarchy in geography refers to the way places and settlements are organised in a system. Within the hierarchy some areas are more important or larger than others. For example, a big city like London is at the top of the hierarchy because it has lots of services like hospitals, schools, and shops, and many people live there. Smaller towns and villages are lower in the hierarchy as they have fewer services and people. This concept helps us understand how different places are connected and depend on each other, and how people might travel from a smaller town to a city for work or shopping.