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.
過疎地では公共交通機関が減っている。
Public transportation is decreasing in underpopulated areas.
この村は過疎地に指定された。
This village was designated as a depopulated area.
Antonym: an overcrowded or densely populated area.
Compound of 過疎 (depopulation) and 地 (land, area).