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World Geography Essential KnowledgeThere are a variety of sources for geographic data…GIS (Geographic Information Systems)Field workSatellite imagesPhotographsMaps, globesDatabasesPrimary sourcesDiagramsThere are many basic concepts that all geographers must be familiar with….ScaleAbsolute locationLatitude and LongitudeRelative locationOrientationMap distortionMap projectionsMercatorRobinsonPolarEqual Area (Interupted)Our mental maps are constantly developing and being refined to…Carry out daily activities (e.g., route to school, for shopping)Give directions to othersUnderstand world eventsWe refine our mental maps by…Comparing sketch maps to maps in atlases or other resourcesDescribing the location of places in terms of reference points (e.g., the equator, prime meridian)Describing the location of places in terms of geographic features and land forms (e.g., west of the Mississippi River, north of the Gulf of Mexico)Describing the location of places in terms of the human characteristics of a place (e.g., languages; types of housing, dress, recreation, customs and traditions)Maps show information in different ways….SymbolsColorLinesBoundariesContoursMap display different types of information (tell different stories)…PhysicalPoliticalThematicPopulation (e.g., distribution and density)Economic activityResourceLanguageEthnicityClimatePrecipitationVegetationHistoricMaps have changed over time…Map of Columbus’s timeMap of the world todayGIS (Geographic Information Systems)Place names (Toponyms) have changed over time…Formosa, Taiwan, Republic of ChinaPalestine, Israel, West Bank, GazaBoundaries have changed over time…Africa: In 1914; in the 1990sEurope: Before World War II; after World War II; since 1990Russia and the former Soviet UnionMiddle East: Before 1948; after 1967Some boundaries are still being disputed….KoreaWestern SaharaFormer YugoslaviaKashmirPeople have different perspectives of place names…Arabian Gulf vs. Persian GulfSea of Japan vs. East SeaMiddle East vs. North Africa and Southwest AsiClimate is a combination of….TemperaturePrecipitationClimate zones are influenced by….latitudewindselevationProximity to waterocean currentslocation of landformsThe world’s climatic regions are….Low latitudes (e.g., tropical wet, tropical wet and dry, arid, semiarid, highland)Middle latitudes (e.g., semiarid, arid, Mediterranean [dry summer subtropical], humid continental, marine west coast, highland)High latitudes (e.g., subarctic, subpolar, icecap)Climate influences vegetation regions…..Tropical Wet = Rain forestTropical Wet and Dry = SavannaArid and Semiarid (Desert) = little to noneHighland = SteppeMediterranean = ChaparralMarine West Coast = forest with large treesHumid Subtropical and Humid Continental = mixed forestsSubarctic = TaigaSubpolar = TundraVarious locations experience certain specific weather phenomena…Monsoons: South and Southeast AsiaTyphoons: Pacific OceanHurricanes: Atlantic OceanTornadoes: United StatesClimate has an effect on…cropsclothinghousingnatural hazards.Physical and ecological processes impact physical and human geography…EarthquakesFloodsVolcanic eruptionsErosionDepositionHuman have a great impact on the environment….(HEI)Water diversion/managementAral SeaColorado RiverAswan High DamCanalsReservoirsIrrigationLandscape changesAgricultural terracing (e.g., in China, Southeast Asia)Polders (e.g., in The Netherlands)Deforestation (e.g., in Nepal, Brazil, Malaysia)Desertification (e.g., in Africa, Asia)Environmental changesAcid rain (e.g., forests in Germany, Scandinavia, China, Eastern North America)Pollution (e.g., in Mexico City, Chernobyl; oil spills)Deforestation (Amazon Basin, Nepal, Malaysia)Acid rain (Black Forest)Decreased soil fertility (Aswan High Dam)The environment impact humans…..Settlement patternsHousing materialsAgricultural activityTypes of recreationTransportation patternspopulation distribution / locations of cities.Example: Major bodies of waterRio Grande: Forms boundaryOb River: Flows northward into Arctic OceanZambezi River: Provides water powerGanges and Brahmaputra rivers: Are flood hazardsExample: MountainsRocky Mountains: Create rain shadows on leeward slopesHimalayas: Block moisture, creating steppes and deserts in Central AsiaTechnology impacts human activities….Agriculture (e.g., fertilizers, mechanization)Energy usage (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear)Transportation (e.g., road building, railways)Automobiles (e.g., parking lots, suburbs)Airplanes (e.g., airport expansion, noise)Regions are used to simplify study and understanding of the world…Physical regionsSaharaTaigaRain forestGreat PlainsLow CountriesCultural regionsLanguageLatin AmericaFrancophone worldEthnicChinatownsKurdistanReligionIslamBuddhismEconomicWheat BeltsEuropean Union (EU)PoliticalNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)African Union (AU)Regional labels reflecting changes in perceptions…Middle EastSun BeltRust BeltCultural characteristics are divided into many categories….Architectural structuresReligious buildings (e.g., mosques, churches, synagogues, temples, pagodas)Dwellings (e.g., tiled roofs in Mediterranean, chalets in Switzerland, thatched roofs in Pacific Islands, tents and yurts in Central and Southwest Asia, castles in Europe)Statues and monuments of local, national, or global significanceTaj Mahal (India)Kaaba (Mecca)Western Wall (Jerusalem)Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem)Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem)Pyramids (Egypt)Kremlin (Moscow)Eiffel Tower (Paris)Virginia State Capitol BuildingWashington Monument / Lincoln MemorialWhite HouseStatue of LibertyLanguageArab world: ArabicHispanic America: SpanishBrazil: PortugueseCanada: French and EnglishSwitzerland: Multiple languagesEnglish: International languageEthnic heritageFormer Yugoslavia: Serbs, Croats, Bosnians, AlbaniansBurundi and Rwanda: Hutus and TutsisUnited States, Switzerland: Multiple ethnicities united in one countryKorea, Japan: Predominantly single ethnicityCyprus: Greeks and TurksReligion as a unifying forceHinduismBuddhismJudaismChristianityIslamReligion as a divisive forceConflicts between Hindus and Muslims in Pakistan and IndiaConflicts between Catholics and Protestants in Northern IrelandJews, Christians, and Muslims all claiming Jerusalem as their religious heritage siteConflicts between Sunni and Shi’aThere are various criteria for determining relative importance of countries…GDP (Gross Domestic Product)Land sizePopulation sizeResourcesMany factors influence population distribution….Natural resources (e.g., oil, arable land, water)Climate (hot/cold; wet/dry)Economic developmentGovernment policyRural/urban settlement patternsCapital resources (transportation, technology)Conflicts (refugees)Geographers study many characteristics of human populations (demographics)…Birth and death rates (war, disease, migration)Age distributionMale/female distributionLife expectancyInfant mortality rateUrban/rural distributionGDPEthnicitiesLanguageReligionEducationSeveral factors influence population growth rates….Modern medicine and hygieneEducationIndustrialization and urbanizationEconomic developmentGovernment policyRole of women in societyPeople migrate for a variety of reasons…..Push factorsOverpopulationReligious persecutionLack of job opportunitiesAgricultural declineConflictPolitical persecutionNatural hazards (e.g., droughts, floods, famines, volcanic eruptions)Limits on personal freedomEnvironmental degradationPull factorsReligionEconomic opportunityLand availabilityPolitical freedomEthnic and family tiesArable landMigration has a great impact on world regions….LanguageReligion and religious freedomCustoms and traditionsCultural landscapeCultural interactionEvidence of cultural interactionDiffusion of U.S. culture to other regionsPopularization of other cultural traditions in the U.S.Energy resources and technology have changed over time….Wood (deforestation)Coal (pollution, mining problems, competition with oil and gas)Petroleum (transportation, environmental considerations)Nuclear (contamination, waste)Solar, wind (cost, aesthetics)Resource are necessary for humans to survive…..Natural resourcesRenewable: Soil, water, forestsNonrenewable: Fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) and metals (gold, iron, copper, bauxite)Human resourcesLevel of educationSkilled and unskilled laborersEntrepreneurial and managerial abilitiesCapital resourcesAvailability of money for investmentLevel of infrastructureAvailability and use of tools, machines, and technologiesEconomic activities fall into different categories….Primary: Dealing directly with resources (e.g., fishing, farming, forestry, mining)Secondary: Manufacturing and processing (e.g., steel mills, automobile assembly, sawmills)Tertiary: Services (e.g., transportation, retail trade, information technology services)There are positive and negative effects of unequal distribution of resources….Interdependence of nations, trading in goods, services, and capital resourcesUneven economic developmentEnergy producers and consumersImperialismConflict over control of resourcesEconomic activities lead to a variety of land use patterns….Economic activities that require extensive areas of land (e.g., agriculture) vs. those that require a limited areas (e.g., manufacturing)Land uses that are compatible with each other (open spaces and residential) vs. land uses that are not compatible (e.g., landfills and residential)Social and economic priorities influence a culture’s perspective on resources…..Economic development prioritiesEnvironmental conservation prioritiesPriorities of indigenous minoritiesSome technologies have created demand for particular resources….Steam engine: demand for coalInternal combustion engine (cars and trucks): demand for gasoline (oil)Computer chips: demand for skilled laborCostsResource depletionEnvironmental degradationHealth problemsBenefitsProduction of goods and servicesEmployment opportunitiesDevelopment of technologiesDifferences between developed and developing nations......Access to natural resourcesAccess to capital resources (investment in technology and infrastructure)Number and skills of human resourcesLevels of economic developmentStandards of living and quality of lifeRelationships between economic development and quality of lifeIndicators of economic development….Urban-rural ratioLabor force characteristics (primary, secondary, tertiary sectors)GDP per capitaEducational achievementIndicators of standards of living and quality of life….Population growth rate (natural increase)Population age distributionLiteracy rateLife expectancyInfant mortality ratePercentage of urban populationFactors that influence economic activity….Access to human, natural, and capital resources, such asskills of the work forcenatural resourcesnew technologiestransportation and communication networksinvestment capitalLocation and ability to exchange goodsLandlocked countriesCoastal and island countriesProximity to shipping lanesAccess to communication networksMembership in political and economic alliances that provide access to markets (e.g., European Union [EU], North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA])Effects of unequal distribution of resources….comparative advantage: The ability of countries to produce goods and services at lower relative costs than other countries, resulting in exports of goods and services.Specialization in goods and services that are efficient and that a country can market for profitInfluences development of major industries (e.g., steel, aircraft, automobile, clothing)Global exchange of goods and services (exporting what a country can market for profit; importing what a country cannot produce profitably)Examples of select countries’ use of resources….Japan: Highly industrialized nation despite limited natural resourcesRussia: Numerous resources, many of which are not economically profitable to developUnited States: Diversified economy, abundant natural resources, specialized industriesC?te d’Ivoire: Limited natural resources, cash crops exchanged for manufactured goodsSwitzerland: Limited natural resources, production of services on a global scaleCountries engage in trade for a variety of reasons….To import goods and services that they needTo export goods and services that they can market for profitEconomic activities have changed over time……Industrial labor systems (e.g., cottage industry, factory, office, telecommunications)Migration from rural to urban areasIndustrialized countries export labor-intensive work to developing nationsGrowth of trade alliancesGrowth of service (tertiary) industriesGrowth of financial services networks and international banksInternationalization of product assembly (e.g., vehicles, electronic equipment)Technology that allows instant communication among people in different countriesModern transportation networks that allow rapid and efficient exchange of goods and materials (e.g., Federal Express, United Parcel Service, U. S. Postal Service)Widespread marketing of products (e.g., Fuji film, Nike, United Colors of Benetton)Many economic unions have formed across the globe….EU: European UnionNAFTA: North American Free Trade AgreementASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian NationsOPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting CountriesAdvantages of economic unions…..More efficient industriesAccess to larger marketsAccess to natural, human, and capital resources without restrictionsGreater influence on world marketDisadvantages of economic unions…..Closing of some industriesConcentration of some industries in certain countries, leaving peripheral areas behindAgribusiness replacing family farmsDifficulty in agreeing on common economic policiesMany political unions have developed across the globe….Examples of political unionsAlliances: economic and politicalNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)European Union (EU)United NationsOrganization of American States (OAS)League of Arab StatesAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)African Union (AU)Reasons for cooperationNatural disastersEconomic advantages (attract new businesses)Cultural similarities, ethnic neighborhoodsAddressing regional issues (e.g., waste management, magnet schools, transportation)Areas of earth are also divided along political lines…..Reasons for political divisions Differences in culture, language, religionRetention of historical boundariesImperial conquest and controlEconomic similarities and differencesDesire for government closer to homeNeed to solve local problemsNeed to administer resources more efficientlyExamples of political divisionsNeighborhoodsElection districtsSchool districtsRegional districts (e.g., waste disposal, conservation districts, planning districts, zip code zones)CitiesCountiesStatesReasons for conflictBoundary disputesCultural differencesEconomic differencesCompetition for scarce resourcesPolitical advantages (e.g., gerrymandering)Examples of political divisionBoundary and territorial disputes (Syria-Israel, Western Sahara-Morocco, China-Taiwan, India-Pakistan)Cultural differences (language, religion)IndonesiaCanada (Québec)SudanEconomic differences (fertile land, access to fresh water, access to coast, fishing rights, natural resources, different economic philosophies)Ethnic differencesBalkansCyprusKashmirOther examples of cooperation….Humanitarian initiatives (e.g., Red Cross and Red Crescent)Economic alliances (e.g., Law of Sea, China and United States, multinational corporations, North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA], Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC])Cultural alliances (e.g., Francophone world, Commonwealth of Nations)Military alliances (e.g., North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO])Problem-solving alliances (e.g., Antarctica Treaty, United Nations [UN] peacekeepers)Programs to promote international understanding (e.g., Peace Corps)Alliances for environmental preservationAlliances for foreign aidHumans create settlements considering two primary factors….site: the actual characteristic of and location of a city (What is there?)situation: relative location, e.g., the location of a city with respect to other geographic features, regions, resources, and transport routes (What is near there?)Examples of site (local characteristics)Harbor sites: New York City; Alexandria, Egypt; Istanbul, TurkeyIsland sites: Paris (originally located on an island in the Seine River), Hong Kong, SingaporeFall line sites: Richmond, VirginiaConfluence sites: Khartoum, Sudan; Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaHilltop sites: Rome, Athens, JerusalemOasis sites: Damascus, Syria; Siwa, EgyptSites where rivers narrow: London, Québec CityExamples of situation (regional/global connections)Baghdad: Command of land between the Tigris and Euphrates riversIstanbul: Command of straits and land bridge to EuropeMecca, Saudi Arabia; Varanasi (Benares), India: Focal point of pilgrimageSamarkand, Uzbekistan; Xi’an, China; Timbuktu, Mali; Singapore: Cities that grew up around trade routes (the Silk Road, Trans-Sahara trade, maritime trade)Cape Town, South Africa: Supply station for shipsOmaha, Nebraska; Sacramento, California: Cities that grew up along the U.S. Transcontinental RailroadNovosibirsk, Vladivostok: Cities that grew up along the Trans-Siberian RailroadThere are many functions of towns and cities….Security, defenseReligious centersTrade centers (local and long distance)Government administrationManufacturing and service centersCity functions have changed over time….Rio de Janeiro: Move of Brazil’s capital from Rio de Janeiro to BrasiliaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Early function connected to defense, then became steel manufacturing center, later shifted to diverse services (financial, light manufacturing)New York City: Changes in trade patterns—coastal and transatlantic trade, trade from Great Lakes via Erie Canal, worldwide trade and financesMining towns, “ghost” towns: Resource depletion, changes in the environmentUrban areas have great influence on their regions and countriesNation-building (monuments, symbols)Transportation/communication hubsMagnets for migrationSeed beds of new ideas and technologiesDiversity, leading to creativity in the artsUniversities, educational opportunitiesCorporate headquarters/regional officesMedia centers (news, entertainment)There are many problems associated with growth of urban areas…..Transportation problems emerge, especially as automobile travel increases.Rich and poor neighborhoods exist in different areas isolated from one another.Providing essential services (fresh water, sewage disposal, electricity, schools, clinics) becomes a problem (e.g., cities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia).Air, water, and noise pollution increase.Sprawl results in conversion of agricultural land to urban uses, especially in North America.In developing countries, major cities are connected more to regions outside the country than to regions within the country.There are many practical applications of geography at local and regional levels…..Air- and water-quality monitoring and managementRecycling programsLand-use and transportation planningSelection of locations for residential and commercial developmentEveryone is influenced by geographic relationships…..Physical characteristics that influence current events:Natural hazards (e.g, flooding, earthquakes, volcanoes, drought)Climate, vegetationHuman characteristics that influence current events:Population distributionGeographic patterns of ethnic diversityA sense of place (emotional attachment to specific locations)Geographic patterns of trade and interdependence (e.g., oil)Geographic patterns of wealth and poverty (developed and developing nations)CountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsAustralia, Pacific Islands, and AntarcticaAustraliaNew ZealandPapua New GuineaHawaiian archipelago (U.S.)Australia, Pacific Islands, and AntarcticaWide range of vegetation, from tropical rain forests to desert scrubAustralia, mostly desertThe Great Dividing RangeThe Great Barrier ReefAustralia’s isolation, resulting in unique animal lifeAntarctica, the world’s coldest, driest, windiest continent; icecapPacific Islands: Volcanic, coral, or continentalAustralia, Pacific Islands, and AntarcticaAir and water travel that bring goods and services to remote areasDry areas of Australia well suited to cattle and sheep ranchingUpset of environmental balance, caused by the introduction of non-native plants and animalsRanching, mining (primary activities)Communication and financial services (tertiary activities)Australia, Pacific Islands, and AntarcticaPacific Islands are sparsely populated.Most of Australia’s population lives near the coasts.Traditional culture continues to shape life in the Pacific Islands.Lifestyles range from subsistence farming to modern city living.Cultures reflect the mix of European and indigenous cultures (e.g., Maori and aborigines).Antarctica has no permanent residents.Cultural landscapeSydney Opera HouseCattle and sheep stations (Australia)Research stations (Antarctica)Thatched-roof dwellings (Pacific Islands)Cities as centers of culture and tradeCanberra, A.C.T. (Australian Capital Territory)SydneyAucklandCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsSouth, Southeast, and East AsiaSouth AsiaAfghanistanPakistanNepalBhutanBangladeshIndiaSri LankaSoutheast AsiaPhilippinesIndonesiaMalaysiaThailandCambodiaBurma (Myanmar)LaosVietnamSingaporeBruneiEast AsiaMongoliaChina (People’s Republic of China)JapanTaiwan (Republic of China)North KoreaSouth KoreaSouth, Southeast, and East AsiaInfluence of mountains on population, settlements, movement, climateMountainsHimalayasWestern and Eastern GhatsMount FujiVaried climatic regions ranging from tropical wet to humid continentalNatural hazards: Monsoons, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakesInfluence of water (rivers, seas, and ocean currents) on agriculture, trade, and transportationBodies of waterArabian SeaIndian OceanBay of BengalGanges RiverIndus RiverBrahmaputra RiverPacific OceanYangtze River (Chang Jiang)Mekong RiverYellow River (Huang He)Abundant arable landLoessPlateau of TibetGobi DesertSouth, Southeast, and East AsiaVaried economies in the region, ranging from subsistence/commercial agriculture to high-tech industrial manufacturingParticipation in global marketsNewly industrialized countries: South Korea, Taiwan, SingaporeJapan: Economic leaderChina in transition from a centrally planned economyAgricultural advancements and technology, enabling greater food production: “Green Revolution”Environmental degradationDeforestationFishingASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)Rice, tropical cropsSouth, Southeast, and East AsiaAreas of extremely dense and of sparse populationContrast between rural and urban areasReligious diversity: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Shinto, ConfucianismRespect for ancestorsReligious conflicts (Hindu vs. Muslim)Cultural heritageSilksBatikWood and ivory carvingsIdeograms, unique alphabetsJewelsCultural landscapeTaj MahalAngkor WatGreat Wall of ChinaFloating marketsMosques, minaretsPagodasTemples and shrinesTerraced rice fieldsCities as centers of culture and tradeTokyoBeijingNew DelhiCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsRussia and Central AsiaLocation of countries, with particular emphasis on the countries listed below (selected on the basis of their per capita GDP, land size, and population)GDPKazakhstanRussiaTurkmenistanLand sizeRussiaKazakhstanTurkmenistanPopulationRussiaKazakhstanUzbekistanRussia and Central AsiaVast land area: Spans two continents, Europe and Asia (covers 11 time zones)Vast areas of tundra, permafrost, taiga, and steppeVaried climatic regionsBlack earth belt (rich chernozem soil)Mountains (e.g., Ural Mountains, which divide Europe from Asia)CaucasusSiberia (the sleeping land), located east of the UralsMajor oil, natural gas, and mineral resourcesWater featuresVolga RiverOb RiverAmur RiverLake BaikalCaspian SeaAral SeaBering StraitPacific OceanArctic OceanSome rivers flow northward to the Arctic OceanRussia and Central AsiaTransition from communist to free market economyFarming and industry concentrated in the Fertile Triangle region, rich chernozem soils (wheat farming)Infrastructure: Trans-Siberian Railroad, systems of rivers, canals, and railroadsEnergy resources: Hydroelectric power, oil, natural gasRussian natural resources not fully developed due to climate, limited transportation links, and vastness of the countryForeign competition for investment in the region (oil pipelines)Widespread pollutionShrinking of the Aral SeaPolitical and economic difficulties after the breakup of the Soviet UnionCotton production in Central AsiaRussia and Central AsiaDiverse ethnic groups, customs, and traditions (many people of Turkic and Mongol heritage)Cultural heritageBalletFabergé eggsMusicIconsMatryoshka dollsOriental carpetsSamovarsCultural landscapeRussian Orthodox churches (e.g., St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow)Red SquareKremlinMosques, minaretsSiberian villagesSoviet-style apartment blocksCities as centers of culture and tradeMoscowSt. PetersburgNovosibirskCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsSub-Saharan AfricaLocation of countries, with particular emphasis on the countries listed below (selected on the basis of their per capita GDP, land size, and population)GDPSouth AfricaGabonBotswanaLand sizeDemocratic Republic of CongoSudanChadMozambiqueMadagascarPopulationNigeriaEthiopiaDemocratic Republic of CongoSouth AfricaTanzaniaKenyaSub-Saharan AfricaContinent composed of a huge plateau, escarpmentsRiver transportation impeded by waterfalls and rapidsLocation of equator through middle of region; similar climatic patterns north and south of the equatorSmooth coastline; few harborsLarge number of landlocked countriesStorehouse of mineral wealthLimited fertility of rain forest soilsKalahari and Namib DesertsBodies of waterNile RiverZambezi RiverNiger RiverCongo RiverAtlantic OceanIndian OceanRed SeaLake VictoriaLake TanganyikaNature preserves and national parksSub-Saharan AfricaLarge percentage of population engaged in agriculture (primary activity)Subsistence agricultureNomadic herdingSlash-and-burn agriculturePlantation agricultureCash crops and food cropsPoorly developed infrastructureLarge number of landlocked countriesSubstantial mineral wealth (diamonds, gold and other metals)Major exporters of raw materialsWide range of per capita incomesProductivity that lags behind population growthDesertificationDemographics typical of developing economiesLow per capita GDPLow life expectancyHigh population growth rateHigh infant mortality rateLarge percentage of populationunder age 15Low literacy rateSub-Saharan AfricaUneven population distributionMany ethnic groups, languages, customsLarge numbers of refugeesKnowledge of history through oral traditionCountry names related to historical empires: Mali, Ghana, ZimbabweCultural heritageMasksSculptureDanceMusicColorful dressJewelryCultural landscapeMarketsChurchesMosques, minaretsVillagesModern city coresCities as centers of culture and tradeLagosDakarJohannesburgCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsNorth Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East)Location of countries, with particular emphasis on the countries listed below (selected on the basis of their per capita GDP, land size, and population)GDPKuwaitUnited Arab EmiratesQatarIsraelLand sizeAlgeriaSaudi ArabiaLibyaPopulationIranTurkeyEgyptCities as centers of culture and tradeBaghdadCairoIstanbulJerusalemMeccaTehranNorth Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East)Crossroads of Europe, Africa, and AsiaDesert and semiarid climates: Sahara, sahel, steppesMountainsAtlasTaurusZagrosWater featuresMediterranean SeaRed SeaBlack SeaArabian SeaPersian/Arabian GulfStrait of HormuzBosporus StraitDardanelles StraitNile RiverTigris RiverEuphrates RiverJordan RiverSeasonal flooding, alluvial soils, delta regions, oases, wadisNorth Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East)Heavy reliance on primary economic activity (oil drilling, agriculture, pastoralism)Major producer of world’s oilOil revenues: Positive and negative effectsWater: The region’s most precious resourceGreat variation in standards of living, ranging from very high to poverty-strickenRegional conflicts, political unrest that affects tourismAswan High Dam: Positive and negative effectsSuez Canal: Enhanced shipping routes in the regionGuest workersTrade important to region from earliest timeWide range of per capita incomes and levels of developmentContemporary trade routes (sea lanes)Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)North Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East)Rapid urbanizationModernization centered in urban areas while traditional life continues in rural areasLarge percentage of population under age 15Population unevenly distributedArab countries and Arabic languageNon-Arab countries: Turkey, Iran, IsraelBirthplace of three major monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and IslamConflict over PalestineNomadic lifestylesArt that reflects the diversity of religions (stained glass, geometric tiles, calligraphy, mosaics, prayer rugs)Cultural landscapeMosques, minaretsChurch of the Holy SepulcherHagia SophiaBazaars, suqsWestern WallDome of the RockKaabaPyramidsOil rigsWalled citiesCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsUnited States and CanadaUnited StatesCanadaCities as centers of culture and tradeTorontoMontrealOttawaQuébecVancouver, British ColumbiaWashington, D.C.ChicagoNew York CityLos AngelesHoustonUnited States and CanadaAbundant natural resourcesContinental DivideRiversMississippiSt. LawrenceColoradoColumbiaRio GrandeOther water featuresGulf of MexicoGreat LakesArctic OceanPacific OceanAtlantic OceanHudson BayLand formsAppalachian MountainsPacific Coastal RangesBasin and RangeRocky MountainsGreat PlainsInterior lowlandsAtlantic and Gulf Coastal PlainsCanadian ShieldGrand CanyonColumbia PlateauColorado PlateauVaried climatic regions: Ranging from tundra in Alaska to tropical wet in HawaiiUnited States and CanadaMajor exporters of technology, information systems, and foodstuffHighly developed infrastructuresHighly diversified economiesRich supply of mineral, energy, and forest resourcesNorth American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)Multinational corporationsCenter of world financial markets (New York Stock Exchange)Sustained economic growthWidening gap between rich and poorExport of U.S. culture via the global marketplace (e.g., McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, music, blue jeans)United States and CanadaColonized by the EuropeansMulticultural societiesIncreasingly diverse populationsHigh literacy rateHigh standards of livingHighly urbanizedCanada’s struggle to maintain a national identityHighly mobile populationsWorld’s longest unfortified border between the United States and CanadaDemocratic forms of governmentArts that reflect the cultural heritage of multicultural societiesNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Cultural landscapeU.S. CapitolGolden Gate BridgeIndependence HallSt. Louis Gateway ArchWheat fieldsSkyscrapers, shopping mallsBilingual signsInfluence of the automobile (e.g., gas stations, motels, interstate highways, drive-up services)CountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsEuropeLocation of countries, with particular emphasis on the countries listed below (selected on the basis of their per capita GDP, land size, and population)GDPNorwaySwitzerlandLuxembourgLand sizeUkraineFranceSpainPopulationGermanyUnited KingdomItalyFranceEuropePart of large landmass called EurasiaPeninsulasIberianItalianScandinavianJutlandBalkanIslandsGreat BritainIrelandSicilyIcelandFjordsMountainsAlpsPyreneesNorth European plainRiversDanubeRhineSeineVolgaSeasAdriaticAegeanMediterraneanBalticBlackNorthOceansAtlanticArcticStrait of GibraltarVaried climate regions: Tundra to MediterraneanEffects of the North Atlantic Drift and prevailing westerlies on Europe’s climatesEuropeMountain regions: Tourism, recreation, mineral resourcesAreas threatened by air and water pollutionForests (Black Forest)Cities (Venice)Rivers (Rhine, Danube, Seine)Development of industrial and transportation centers near mineral deposits (e.g., coal and iron ore)Ruhr valleyPo valleyRivers and canals serving as major transportation linksOil reserves in the North SeaWell-educated work force: Industrial and technological societies, banking in SwitzerlandAdvanced farming techniques, high crop yields, fertile soils, black earth (chernozem)Well-developed infrastructureThe ChunnelDifferences in Western and Eastern European industrial development due to differing economic systems in prior yearsEuropean UnionTrade important; interdependenceLarge role of government in some economies (Sweden, Denmark)Replacement of communism with capitalism in Eastern EuropeReclaimed land: Polders in The NetherlandsDemographics typical of developed economiesHigh per capita GDPHigh life expectancyLow population growth rateLow infant mortality rateSmall percentage of populationunder age 15High literacy rateEuropeBirthplace of Industrial RevolutionMany ethnic groups with different languages, religions, customsSporadic conflict among groups (wars, revolutions)Birthplace of western culture: Greece and RomeSpread of European culture to many other parts of the world (exploration, colonization, imperialism)Highly urbanizedOne of the world’s most densely populated areasNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Cultural landscapeNotre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Eiffel T.Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Peter’s BasilicaParthenonWestminster Abbey, Big BenWindmillsCastlesCities as centers of culture and tradeBerlinLondonParisMadridRomeAthensWarsawCountriesPhysical CharacteristicsEconomic CharacteristicsCultural CharacteristicsLatin America and the CaribbeanMexico and Central AmericaMexicoBelizeGuatemalaEl SalvadorHondurasNicaraguaCosta RicaPanamaSouth AmericaColombiaVenezuelaGuyanaSurinameFrench GuianaEcuadorPeruBoliviaBrazilParaguayArgentinaUruguayChileCaribbeanCubaHaitiJamaicaDominican RepublicPuerto Rico (U.S.)Latin America and the CaribbeanMajor mountain ranges: Andes, Sierra MadresWildlife migration patterns (e.g., Monarch butterflies)Rain forestsCoastal desert: AtacamaReversed seasons south of the equatorAmazon River BasinGrasslands: pampas, llanosTropical climates predominate.Volcanoes and earthquakesArchipelagoesVertical zonation (tierra caliente, tierra templada, tierra fria)Latin America and the CaribbeanDiverse economiesSubsistence farmingPlantation agricultureSlash-and-burn agricultureCash crops and food cropsHaciendasCattle ranges, gauchosDeforestationDestruction of rain forestsOil resources: Ecuador, Venezuela, and MexicoHeavy smog, pollution: Mexico CityDisparity of income distributionNorth American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Mexico, Canada, United States.Diverse mineral resources (e.g., copper in Chile, iron ore in Venezuela and Brazil)Latin America and the CaribbeanIndian civilizationsAfrican traditionsInfluence of European colonizationPredominance of Roman Catholic religionRigid social structureMestizosLocation of settlements: coastal in South AmericaMegacities, squatter settlementsRapid population growthOut-migrationCultural heritageMusic: African influences, calypso, steel drum bands, reggaeTraditional dancesSpanish, Portuguese languagesCultural landscapePyramids, cathedralsHaciendas, ejidos (communal land)Machu PicchuTikalCities as centers of culture and tradeMexico CityRio de JaneiroBuenos AiresSantiago ................
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