Classification

The standard classification of urban area is updated annually. The annual classification is released on the 1st of January each year, but there are not always changes from the previous classification. Urban area is a flat classification and contains 150 categories with a three–part hierarchical sub–division of urban areas into:

• main urban area (code range 001–100)
• secondary urban area (code range 101– 200)
• minor urban area (code range 201–500).

Rural centres and rural areas are also defined in the urban area classification. The codes for rural centres, rural areas and residual categories start at 501.

You can download the latest classification under the "Available files" heading.