Classification of rural areas according to population density criteria in Sumadija and Western Serbia region

An important aspect in terms of development of rural areas is establishing a methodology for identifying rural areas and rural development indicators in order to implement appropriate development policy. The paper examines the basic methodological approaches to determining the level of rural development of Šumadija and Western Serbia region at all NUTS levels and as prescribed by the OECD, i.e. according to the population density criteria. The paper builds upon the hypothesis that if systematic monitoring of rural development requires to define precisely the areas to which the term rural applies, then the concept of population density is to be used for determining the typology of rural areas in the region. Qualitative methodology - based on the study and descriptive analysis of the defined problem, was applied in order to test the initial hypothesis. Review of the relevant literature, official statistical data and empirical research indicate that regarding the monitoring of rural development, it is particularly important to determine which geographical areas can be considered as rural areas, as well as to keep in mind that the OECD methodology implies a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach, since rural trends represent a very complex matter.