AP Human Geography

The exam format includes 60 multiple-choice questions and three free response questions. Students are allotted 60 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section and 1 hour and 15 minutes to compose their responses to the free response questions. To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through our free AP Human Geography study guide that covers the most important material you should know.

How do I study for AP Human Geography?

You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 5 on the AP exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. Once you take a look through the breakdown above, make sure to read through the AP Human Geography study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit.

What units are on AP Human Geography?

Unit 1: Thinking Geographically
This unit covers the tools and methods utilized by geographers to study places. Topics include different map types and their interpretations, data collection and usage techniques, spatial relationships and patterns, data analysis at various scales (global, national, local), and the process of defining regions.
Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes
This unit delves into the study of human populations and their associated patterns. Topics include population density and its impacts on society and the environment, theories of population growth and decline, the effects of population and immigration policies, and the causes and consequences of migration.
Unit 3 : Cultural Patterns and Processes
This unit centers on the spread of language, religion, and cultural practices across space and time. Topics encompass the various mechanisms of cultural diffusion, the influence of historical forces like colonialism and trade on cultural patterns, the impact of contemporary forces such as globalization on cultural practices, and an exploration of the diverse ways in which religions spread.
Unit 4 : Political Patterns and Processes
This unit expands on your understanding of populations and cultural patterns and delves into the political organization of the world. Topics include the exploration of political entities like nations and nation-states, the historical ideas and forces that influenced modern political boundaries, various forms of government such as unitary and federal states, and the factors contributing to state fragmentation.
Unit 5 : Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes
This unit focuses on the development and diffusion of agriculture, exploring its origins and spread worldwide. Topics cover the influence of physical geography on farming practices, the historical context of agriculture's emergence, the significance of the Green Revolution, and the impacts of farming practices on both the environment and society.
Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes
This unit delves into the origins and impacts of urbanization, investigating cities worldwide and their significant role in the process of globalization. Topics encompass the driving factors behind the growth of cities and suburbs, the relationship between globalization and urban centers, the crucial aspect of city infrastructure, and the various urban design initiatives and practices shaping modern urban landscapes.
Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes
This unit focuses on the study of industrialization's origins and impact on economic development. Topics include the Industrial Revolution, the examination of economic sectors and patterns, the effects of economic development on women's roles, and the significance of trade in the global economy.

What are the video resources?

We’ve handpicked some of our favorite youtube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our AP Human Geography study guides. These channels can be a great way to get a better understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.

Where can I ask AP Human Geography questions?

Connect with like-minded students who are also preparing for the exam and delve into the world of AP Human Geography review together. By joining our Discord community, you can collaborate, exchange questions, discuss AP Human Geography notes, and discuss any tricky problems with fellow AP Human Geography students. Together, you can better understand challenging concepts, share helpful resources, and support each other on your way to getting a 5!

What is AP Human Geography?

AP Human Geography explores human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes. On this page, you’ll find AP Human Geography resources to help you with your APHUG review.