THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN-RURAL RELATIONSHIPAT THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAZ/AUSTRIA

THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN-RURAL RELATIONSHIP AT THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAZ/AUSTRIA

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Published: August 2026

ORCID: 
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6251-2090 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keywords: Urban-rural relationship, interaction area, city-region, selected indicators of relationship.

Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to use the example of Graz/Austria to illustrate the linkages and interdependencies between the city and the surrounding area and to assess the changes throughout the years. These changes are quantified according to a former study about the “Interaktionsraum Graz” by Wilhelm Leitner [5] with data bases from the year 1978. It should be demonstrated that the interaction area is highly dynamic. The urban–rural relationship describes the complex interactions between cities and their surrounding areas. These relationships have become increasingly important as urban regions continue to expand and connect more closely with rural communities. Traditionally, cities served as centers of employment, education, and services, while rural areas provided agricultural products, open space, and natural resources. This creates strong functional linkages based on mobility, infrastructure, and economic exchange. Overall, effective urban–rural relationships contribute to sustainable regional development. By recognizing their interdependence and fostering collaboration, cities and their hinterlands can achieve balanced growth, preserve natural resources, and improve quality of life for residents across the entire region. The result shows a strong development of a so called “urban region” with potential for more co-operation but also stronger competition between the city and the prospering municipalities especially in the south of Graz.   

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