naseljavati

1. (of an area) to inhabit
   Ovo područje naseljavaju uglavnom stočari. — This area is inhabited mostly by herders.
2. (+ acc.) to settle; to populate
   Država je tada naseljavala prazna sela. — At that time the state was settling people in empty villages.
3. (naseljavati se) to settle; to take up residence
   Sve više stranaca se naseljava u Novom Sadu. — More and more foreigners are settling in Novi Sad.

The perfective is naseliti.