What is the chief characteristic of a hamlet?

A hamlet is typically characterized by having a small number of dwellings or homes, often without a significant population. The defining feature of a hamlet is that it must contain at least five dwellings. This number signifies a minimal settlement size that helps in distinguishing it from smaller clusters of homes or rural areas.

In terms of governance and independent status, a hamlet does not usually have its own voting council or recognition as an independent city; rather, it is often governed by a nearby township or municipality. Additionally, there is no minimum population requirement of 1,000 residents for a hamlet, as the essence of a hamlet lies in its small size, not in a large population. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the structural aspect of a hamlet as a small community with a defined number of dwellings.