Nations & States

Learning Targets ●I can define nation and identify the different types of states. ●I can compare different shapes of states and analyze the effects that shape has on states.

What is a state? A state is a body of people living in a defined space, with an organization that has the power to make and enforce laws. State = country

Essential Features of a State The States of today’s political world share four essential features: 1. Population- people 2. Territory- boundaries 3. Sovereignty - self-rule 4. Government- organization to make & enforce laws

Sovereignty Def: The ability of a state to control it’s internal and external affairs. -Complete independence - Power to make laws, shape foreign policy & own course of action. reign = to rule

What is a Nation? A nation is a term for a group of people with common cultural characteristics. Nations do not need official states -ex: Hmong, Kurds

Nation-State A nation-state is a state whose citizens or subjects who share common characteristics, such as language or decent. -Ex: Japan

Prior to WWII Hitler claimed he wanted to create a Nation- State, of all German speaking peoples (red line). But then he invaded Poland, so...not so much

Multinational State A state that contains two or more ethnic groups with traditions of self-determination. -Relationships among nationalities vary in different multinational states.

Elongated States Definition: A state that has a long and narrow shape Challenges: -May have poor internal communication -Large distance within a state

Fragmented States Definition: A state that includes several discontinuous pieces of territories. May be separated by an intervening state or separated by water.

Prorupted States Definition: A compact state with a large projecting extension. Created for two reasons: -access to resources -separate two states that would otherwise share a border.

Landlocked States Definition: A state that lacks a direct outlet to the sea because it is completely surrounded by other states. Challenges: -Less access to transportation -More difficult to import/export resources

Perforated States Definition: A state that is completely surrounds another state. Challenges: -Must depend on surrounding state for imports and exports -No direct access to water transportation for inner state

Compact States Definition: A state that is usually circular and the distance from the center is about equal in all directions. Benefits: Most efficient & promotes good communication to all regions.

Lets Review!

Review: Q: What is the difference between a state and a nation? A: Nation= A group that shares common cultural characteristics. State= People living in a defined space that has the ability to make and control laws.

Name that State! C A B D E

A: Name that State! C A B D E Compact/ landlocked Prorupted Perforated Fragmented Elongated