Introduction:
Settlements are places where people establish permanent or temporary living spaces. These habitations developed due to various reasons including geographical factors, availability of resources, economic activities, and social factors.

Geographical Factors:
1. Water: Settlements near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans developed for easy access to water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation.
2. Topography: Areas with favorable topography like flat land or gentle slopes were chosen for settlements as they provided ease of construction and transportation.
3. Climate: Settlements developed in regions with suitable climatic conditions that supported human habitation and agricultural activities.
4. Availability of natural resources: Areas rich in natural resources like fertile soil, minerals, forests, etc., attracted settlements as they provided livelihood opportunities.

Availability of Resources:
1. Agriculture: Settlements developed near fertile lands where people could engage in farming and animal husbandry for food production.
2. Forests: Settlements near forests provided access to timber, firewood, and other forest products needed for construction and daily life.
3. Minerals: Areas rich in minerals attracted settlements as they provided opportunities for mining and related industries.

Economic Activities:
1. Trade and Commerce: Settlements developed along trade routes or near markets to facilitate the exchange of goods and services.
2. Industrialization: Industrial settlements developed near sources of energy like coal or water for powering factories and transportation.

Social Factors:
1. Security and Defense: Settlements were established in strategic locations like hilltops or near natural barriers to defend against external threats.
2. Social Interaction: Settlements provided opportunities for people to interact, form communities, and engage in social, cultural, and religious activities.

Conclusion:
Settlements developed due to a combination of geographical factors, availability of resources, economic activities, and social factors. The specific reasons for settlement development varied depending on the region and the needs of the people. Over time, settlements grew and evolved, shaping the human environment and playing a crucial role in the development of societies.

There are two types of habits settlements - temporary & permanent. The permanent settlements are different types - like rural and urban settlements slowly the increase in commerce trade and transport increased the possibility of human habitat settlements.