What term refers to an area characterized by open countryside?

The term that describes an area characterized by open countryside is a rural area. Rural areas are typically characterized by lower population density, larger open spaces, agricultural land, and natural landscapes. These settings contrast significantly with urban areas, which are densely populated and heavily developed with infrastructure like buildings, roads, and other amenities.

In a rural area, you might find farms, forests, and fields rather than the buildings and bustling activity found in places like cities or towns. This distinction is vital in geography as it helps in understanding land use, settlement patterns, and lifestyle differences between populations living in rural and urban environments. The other terms refer to different types of environments: urban areas denote city environments, suburban areas are residential districts near cities, and metropolitan areas encompass large city regions, usually combining urban and suburban spaces.