A settlement is a community or group of homes where people live, often in a rural or suburban area. Settlements can vary in size, from small villages to larger towns, and they typically provide essential services like schools, shops, and healthcare facilities. In historical contexts, settlements often refer to places established by groups of people, such as colonists or immigrants, who move to a new area. These early settlements were crucial for expanding populations and developing new regions, often leading to the establishment of cities and towns over time.