Infrastructure

Infrastructure refers to the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or other area, including the services and facilities necessary for its economy to function. It typically characterizes technical structures such as roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, and telecommunications, and can include public services such as education, healthcare, and policing.

Overview

Infrastructure is the set of fundamental facilities and systems that support the sustainable functionality of households and firms. Serving a country, city, or other area, including the services and facilities necessary for its economy to function, infrastructure is composed of public and private physical improvements such as roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, and telecommunications. Specifically, infrastructure refers to the production of goods and services that are essential to the functioning of the economy.

Types of Infrastructure

Infrastructure can be divided into two major classifications: "hard" and "soft". "Hard" is obviously the roads, bridges, etc. "Soft" is the human capital required to maintain the physical infrastructure.

Hard Infrastructure

Hard infrastructure refers to the physical networks necessary for the functioning of a modern industry. This includes roads, bridges, railways, etc.

Soft Infrastructure

Soft infrastructure refers to all the institutions that maintain the economic, health, social, and cultural standards of a country. This includes educational programs, parks and recreational facilities, law enforcement agencies, and emergency services.

Importance of Infrastructure

Infrastructure is important for the sustainable growth of an economy. It enhances the quality of life of citizens, increases productivity and facilitates trade.

See Also

• Economy
• Public Services
• Telecommunications
• Healthcare
• Education

References

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  Ferry Building at night

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  Lehigh Valley Hospital

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  View of A2 at Lehrter See rest area (2009)