An Analysis of the Status of Towns in the Urban Hierarchy System (A Case Study of Sarpol-e Zahab Town, Kermanshah Province)

Towns and their location in the planning of developing countries are part of urban development strategies. Global experiences in this area represent the fact that solving the problems of major cities requires serious support from small urban centers. The purpose of this analytical study is to determine the status of towns in the urban hierarchy system of Kermanshah province. The method used in this study is descriptive-analytic. To analyze the data, the rank-size model and its adjusted type as well as logarithmic Rank Model – Size were used. First, Urban Primacy Index and four urban indices were used. The results obtained from urban hierarchy analysis in Kermanshah province during several census periods have been analyzed and the analysis indicated the  lack of balance  in this province. The results of the study show that the city of Sarpole Zahab was a small town. During several periods from 1375 to 1395 it was considered as an average city. The results of the hierarchical survey of small towns show that cities with a smaller population have lower population stability and lower growth rates rather than the upstream cities. The causes of this instability can be the lack of resource allocation and adequate state budget institutions, inequality in the distribution of income and assets, lack of health facilities and so on. In the case of the strengthening of such cities, on the one hand, it is possible to prevent large migrations to major cities, and on the other hand, the development of these cities can help develop rural areas and create a balance in the region.