Petruk S. Small city settlements of the Zhytomyr region: state, tendencies and directions of socio-economic development

In dissertations exposed essence and factors of forming of small city settlements from publicly-geographical positions. Influence of globalization and transformation processes on development of small city settlements is analyzed. Small city settlements are understood as important elements of territorial structure of economy and system resettlement of population, which were formed due to natural, historical and socio-economic factors. It is caused development of settlements with the low concentration of industrial potential and small closeness of building. The features of socio-economic development of small city settlements at the terms of market transformations and influence of globalization were discovered. Basic factors of forming and development of small city settlements of the Zhytomyr region are determined. The analysis of the state of small city settlements of area is given, their role in the economy of region is revealed, changes in economic activity are revealed, in particular changes, that occurred in the branch structure of industry of these settlements. The state of demographic situation is appraised taking into account radiation contamination. The tendencies of natural and mechanical motion of population are revealed, the state of objects of social sphere is analyzed. On the basis of the specified method, assessed economic status and demographic situation of small city settlements of the Zhytomyr region, their territorial differences are identified. Basic ecological problems of small city settlements are outlined, except for radiation pollution of territory as a result of failure on Chernobylska Nuclear Electric Station. Directions of activation of development of small city settlements of the Zhytomyr region are developed.