Which term refers to the area surrounding a major town or city?

The term that refers to the area surrounding a major town or city is "hinterland." This concept is critical in urban geography and economic geography as it denotes the region from which a city draws resources, labor, and trade. The hinterland can encompass rural areas and smaller towns that depend on the larger urban center for employment, services, and economic support.

The hinterland is essential for understanding the relationships between urban spaces and their surrounding regions. It also highlights how cities can affect and influence surrounding areas economically and socially. The hinterland can vary in size and definition, often depending on the size of the urban center and its economic reach.

In contrast, urban zones typically refer to densely populated areas within the city limits. Suburbs are specifically residential areas situated on the outskirts of a city but are generally more developed than rural hinterlands. A metropolitan area encompasses a large city and its surrounding suburbs and exurbs, focusing on a larger region and community rather than merely the immediate surrounding area. The term "hinterland," therefore, accurately encapsulates the broader area that supports and connects with a major city.