What term describes a rural area?

The term that describes a rural area is "countryside." This term specifically refers to regions that are outside urban environments, typically characterized by open spaces, agricultural land, forests, and small communities. In contrast to urban areas, which are densely populated and heavily developed, the countryside tends to have fewer buildings and a lower population density.

Rural areas often feature landscapes dominated by nature and agriculture, making them distinct from suburban areas that are generally found on the periphery of cities, exhibiting mixed characteristics of urban and rural settings. Metropolitan areas, on the other hand, are larger urban regions that encompass not only the main city but also its suburbs and surrounding areas, further highlighting the difference from genuine rural landscapes. Thus, using "countryside" effectively captures the essence of a rural area.