ABSTRACT
Perusal of any standard atlas map of western Europe which shows the distribution of cities and intervening spaces, brings to light a remarkable range of international differences. Very noticeably, West Germany, with its diffuse pattern of major cities and intricate arrangement of rural areas, represents one end of the diversity spectrum. Indeed, these two interrelated characteristics are so crucially important in the spatial organisation of West Germany, that a perspective on the realities of their spatial expression is needed by any student of urban and rural change within this highly individualised country. There is no single explanation for the diffuse distribution of major cities and metropolitan functions in West Germany. In the economic development of postwar West Germany major sets of advantages have been derived from the historical legacy. Measured in occupational terms, West Germany has experienced a massive retreat of rurality.
