Rural settlement (Russia)

Political authority in rural settlements is exercised by the inhabitants, either directly or through elected (or otherwise constituted) bodies.

Prior to 2004, the district (raion), inherited from the Soviet Union, had been the primary division next lowest below oblast (province).

Rural settlement as a formal political division was provided for in the 2003 law "On The General Principles of Organization of Local Government in the Russian Federation", which was promulgated as part of municipal reform.

The rural settlement is where, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation, the lowest level representative body is constituted.

The boundaries of a rural settlement (when composed of two or more communities) are generally set to allow a person to walk to the administrative center and back during a working day.