ABSTRACT. -An evaluation of the characteristics and future development of the settlements in the Somesana Plain (northern Transylvania Plain). On the surface of 1846.7 sq km of the Someşană Plain, there are 141 rural settlements. The density of the rural settlements, which is on an average of 7.6 villages/100sq km, is above the average value registered at the level of the whole Transylvanian Plain. The average population density of a rural settlement is of 510 inhabitants, much lower than the average density of the Romanian village. The development of the villages in the Plain depends on the improvement of the infrastructure and the means of communication as well as on the creation of better connections between the relatively remote villages and the urban centres from the adjacent corridor areas. Another problem to be solved, besides this aspect, is the water problem, which is unsatisfactory both from the quantity and quality point of view; in addition there is the building of facilities of social interest at a proper and functional level (educational institutions, health institutions, communication institutions etc.)
Key words: development, characteristics setlemens, Someşana Plain