What is the term for a part of the country characterized by continuous, permanent settlement?

The term that describes a part of the country characterized by continuous, permanent settlement is known as a continuous ecumene. This concept refers to regions where people live in relatively stable and permanent communities, experiencing continuous habitation over time. Such areas typically include urban and suburban regions where infrastructure, resources, and services support a sustained population.

In contrast, a discontinuous ecumene refers to regions where settlement is sporadic or limited, often corresponding to areas that are less inhabited due to factors like geography or environmental conditions. Urban areas are specific types of continuous ecumene but do not encompass all regions of permanent settlement, as they focus primarily on densely populated cities. Rural communities, while they can be part of a continuous ecumene, may not always represent areas of high population density or continuous habitation compared to urban settings. Thus, the definition of continuous ecumene encompasses a broader spectrum of permanent settlement across various landscapes.