Political Geography (Nation/State) an independent political unit occupying a defined, populated territory and having full sovereign control over its internal and foreign affairs. Nation is a group of people with a common culture occupying a particular territory, bound together by a strong sense of unity arising from shared beliefs and customs

Relationships between Nations and States Nation-State State that has a distinct nation, ex. Japan

Relationships between Nations and States multinational state A state with many nations within. Ex. Canada

Relationships between Nations and States part-nation state A single nation that is dispersed and predominant in two or more states. Ex. Arab Nation

Relationships between Nations and States stateless nation A people without a state and are not dominant in any state. Ex. Kurds

Korea: One State or Two?

Korea A colony of Japan for many years Divided into two occupation zones after WW II (USSR-North, U.S.-South) Country divided along the 38th parallel N. Korea invaded S. Korea in 1950 This started a 3 year war. Border stayed the same as before the war.

Korea Both countries want to reunite. Talks ceased with N. Korea development of nuclear power. In 1992 both countries were admitted to the UN as separate countries.

China and Taiwan: One state or two?

China and Taiwan Is the Island of Taiwan a sovereign state? Until 1999 both agreed that Taiwan was part of China Civil War fought in late 1940’s between Communists and Nationalists. Nationalists lost, fled to Taiwan.

China and Taiwan Until 1971, the U.S. recognized the Nationalists as the official govt. of China Taiwan is the most populous state not in the United Nations

Largest States Russia (11% world’s land area) China Canada United States Brazil

Smallest States (Microstates) Monaco (Smallest in the UN, .6 sq. mi) Most are islands and sovereign

What is the largest landmass not part of a sovereign state? Antarctica

Antarctica: National Claims Fig. 8-2: Antarctica is the only large landmass that is not part of a state, but several countries claim portions of it.

History of States Modern movement to divide the world into states originated in Europe. Can be traced to Middle East and Fertile Crescent City-states were the first states to evolve Walls established the boundaries of the city, the country side grew food for city.

History of States (Europe) Ancient world political unity was at its height during the Roman Empire Collapsed in 5th Century A.D. European portion divided into estates Consolidation of estates by kings formed the first states (England, France, and Spain) Germany and Italy, 19th Century

Colonies A colony is a territory that is legally tied to a sovereign state rather than being completely independent.

European Colonialism European States controlled much of the world through colonialism 3 Reasons Promote Christianity Colonies provide resources Number of colonies = power God, Gold, and Glory

History of Colonialism Began in 1400s and discovered N. America From 1776 – 1824 European Powers lost most of their colonies in W. Hemisphere European powers then focused on Africa and Asia

Imperialism v. Colonialism Colonization of Africa/Asia is referred to as Imperialism Imperialism is control of territory already occupied and organized by an indigenous society, whereas colonialism is control of previously uninhabited or sparsely inhabited land

Largest Colonial Powers United Kingdom had the largest colonial empire. “Sun never set” on their empire. France had the second-largest overseas territory.

Colonial Practices (France) France attempted to assimilate colonies into French culture. France tried to educate an elite group to provide local leadership After independence a lot of French colonies retained close ties with France.

Colonial Practices (The U.K.) The British created different governments for different territories This protected the diverse cultures and local customs. Most British colonies made peaceful transition to independence

The Few Remaining colonies Most Populous Colony—Puerto Rico One half of population wants to be a state and one half wants to remain a commonwealth of the U.S. Pitcairn is the least (U.K.) This is the island settled by mutineers from the ship Bounty 54 people, 2 sq. mi.