based on cold hard facts, such as population, per capita income of the people who live there, or even temperature. (Rocky Mountain Region, The Islamic World, or rice-growing region)
organized around a focal point, that include areas that are linked to them through communication patterns, transportation routes, or even television broadcasts. (Dallas Metroplex, Panhandle)
Perceptual regions reflect human feelings and attitudes about areas. They are based more on opinions than facts. (The Bible Belt, Dixie)
values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-term focus. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health.
a town or section of a town or city inhabited by very poor people living in shacks or poorly built temporary homes
basic facilities and services such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
a navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data. In the simplest terms, GIS is the merging of cartography, statistical analysis, and database technology.
increased density of settlement and/or business and other activities in the area over time
Country that is wealthy and industrialized: wealthy and technologically advanced, with sophisticated manufacturing and service industries
A dictatorship is a government headed by a dictator. It is considered to be the opposite of a democracy. It refers to the way the leaders gain and hold power, not the watch kept on the citizens. The type of government that does not allow a nation to determine its own leaders by election.
A monarchy, (from Greek meaning "one ruler") is a form of government that has a King or Queen as Head of State. The distinguishing characteristic of monarchies is that the Head of State holds his office for life, unlike in republics, where presidents are generally elected for a certain amount of time.
form of government under which the power to change the laws and structures of government lies with the citizens through elections.
Theocracy is a form of government in which a religion and the government work together. "Theo" which means "god" and "cracy" which means "form of government". Hence theocracy literally means "Rule by god". Its governmental policies are strongly influenced by the principles of a religion and the government claims to rule on behalf of God or a higher power.
In parliamentary governments the head of state and the chief executive are two separate offices. Many times the head of state functions in a primarily ceremonial role (Queen of England), while the chief executive is the head of the nation's legislature (Prime Minister of England). In parliament systems, the Prime Minister is not chosen by the people but by the legislature and the Monarchy is passed down from family.
a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever it can.
a group of people, within a society, whose members have different ethnic, racial, national, religious, sexual, political, linguistic, or other characteristics from the rest of society.