Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Population in Urban System of Kurdistan Province during 1976-2011

One of the features for urban and regional development in the region and country is desirable urban system. One of the factors affecting the urban system, is spatial distribution of population which largely defines the desirability of this urban system through its own desirability. Accordingly, the study of population distribution, moving toward the concentration or balance in urban system is essential and important in regions and provinces of the country. According to what mentioned, this paper attempts to analyze the evolution of urban system in Kurdistan province in the period 1976 to 2011. For this purpose, a descriptive-analytical method is adopted regarding the type of research and measurement criteria of primate city, concentration and balance are employed to analyze population development in urban system of Kurdistan Province. Although primate city index shows the tendency of Sanandaj toward polarization during 2006 to 2011, the final results indicate non-existence of primate city phenomenon and clear concentration of a central area than other urban area and they also indicate that their intensification has been reduced in the period of 1976 to 2011. According to Shannon entropy index, the rise of eleven cities during1996 to 2006 caused the urban system of Kurdistan province move towards imbalances, mainly the conversion of rural to urban cities formed and had no much success in attracting population. Rank-size graph, also indicates an imbalance in population distribution, especially in medium cities of the province.