Political Geography

Nations of the World Governmental units can be described in either political or geographic terms State- an independent unit that occupies a specific territory and has full control over its internal and external affairs (country)

Nation A group of people with a common culture living in a territory with a strong sense of unity Nation-State-When a nation and state occupy the same territory (Some nations do not have a state, Palestinians, Kurds, Basques)

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Types of Government Democracy- Citizens hold power, either directly or through representatives Ex. USA

Monarchy Monarchy- A ruling family headed by a king or queen holds political power and may or may not share power with other bodies Ex. United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia

Dictatorship An individual or group holds complete control over a country Example. North Korea

Communism All political power and means of production are held by the government in the name of the people Ex. The Soviet Union

Geographic characteristics Size Shape Location Some countries are landlocked, having no direct outlet to the sea (Bolivia)

Boundaries Natural Boundary- Based on physical features of the land (rivers, lakes, mountains) Artificial- A fixed boundary that may be located around longitude or latitude lines - 49’ N separates the border between the US and Canada