Abstract
The paper proposes a new approach of rural space which combines both spatial and demographic dimensions. Faced with the limits of previous works, we propose to identify various forms of rurality on the basis of the distribution of population density across three Euro-Mediterranean countries: France, Italy and Spain. After on overview of bibliography concerning the characterization of rural space, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different definitions of this space. Next we present a methodology to build typology based on the concepts of diffusion/concentration, continuity/discontinuity. Finally, we synthesize main elements related to statistics and cartographic results concerning rural classifications. Ultimately, this work leads to an operational definition of rural space intended to allow a comparative analysis at the international scale.