The purpose of the article is to generalize methodological approaches and systematize the criteria for identifying rural territories in different countries of the world, to develop recommendations for their adaptation to Ukrainian practice.

Research methods. Methods of analysis, comparison, and synthesis are used to determine the essence, content, and principles of methods of identification of rural areas in different countries, patterns, and rural development stages, the method of logical generalization - to systematize the criteria of functional classification. 

Research results. In the process of studying methodological approaches to the identification of rural areas in the EU and OECD countries revealed the peculiarities of the formation of methods in accordance with the conditions of development, geographical and territorial features of the country. At the same time, it is worth noting a certain universality and the possibility of applying OECD and EU methodologies to the needs of defining rural areas in Ukraine. However, such methods need to be adapted to the spatial and territorial features of Ukraine's economy and the existing settlement system.

Scientific novelty. Given the traditionally lower level of economic activity in rural administrative-territorial units in Ukraine and lower spatial density of economic activity, it is proposed additionally to use indicators of economic development of territories, for example, the number of small and medium enterprises per 1,000 people. This will further determine the rural territorial communities, which are characterized by relatively higher economic potential and can become centers of economic growth along with cities.

Practical significance. It is determined by the need to identify rural areas for the implementation of state regional policy in Ukraine based on the functional zoning of territories