noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
underpopulated area; depopulated area
Refers to a region or locality with a declining or sparse population, often used in discussions of rural decline and regional policy.
Public transportation is decreasing in underpopulated areas.
This village was designated as a depopulated area.
Compound of 過疎 (depopulation) and 地 (land, area).