Political Geography: State Shapes and Borders

What is the definition of a compact state in territorial morphology?

A compact state is defined as having a shape where distance from the center to any boundary is minimal, facilitating easier governance.

Name two examples of compact states.

Switzerland and Hungary.

What is a Prorupted state?

A prorupted state is a type of political entity that has a long extension or corridor of territory that protrudes from its main body, often to gain access to resources or trade routes.

Which countries are examples of prorupted states?

Democratic Republic of Congo and Thailand.

How does an elongated state affect governance?

Elongated states complicate governance due to their long and narrow shape, leading to accessibility issues and regional disparities.

Provide two examples of elongated states.

Chile and Gambia.

What are the main challenges faced by fragmented states?

Governance challenges due to disconnected pieces of territory, which can lead to alienation and underrepresentation.

Give two examples of fragmented states.

Indonesia and the Philippines.

Define a perforated state.

A perforated state completely surrounds another state, influencing interactions and sometimes creating dependency.

What is the relationship between South Africa and Lesotho?

South Africa is a perforated state that surrounds Lesotho, leading to discussions about sovereignty and dependence.

What are microstates?

Very small states with usually homogeneous populations, often facing limited resources and economic vulnerabilities.

Name two examples of microstates.

Andorra and Luxembourg.

What is an exclave?

An exclave is a territory separated from the main part of the state by another state, facing unique challenges related to accessibility.

Provide an example of an exclave.

Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave bordered by Poland and Lithuania.

What is an enclave?

An enclave is an area of one state surrounded completely by another state, potentially leading to unique demographic and political situations.

Give an example of an enclave.

Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian territory surrounded by Azerbaijan.

What are physical boundaries?

Boundaries determined by natural features such as rivers and mountains, which can change over time.

Define cultural boundaries.

Boundaries defined by cultural differences such as language, religion, and ethnicity, often leading to conflict.

What are geometric boundaries?

Boundaries characterized by straight lines or imaginary lines that do not accommodate cultural or physical landscapes.

What is Balkanization?

The process where a state breaks down due to conflicts among nationalities or ethnic groups, often resulting in new political entities.

What is an antecedent boundary?

A boundary established before an area was populated, often aligning with physical features.

Define superimposed boundary.

A boundary placed by outside forces without regard to existing cultural patterns, often leading to disputes.

What are boundary disputes?

Conflicts that arise over the exact location, ownership of land, resource allocation, or management of a boundary.

What does UNCLOS stand for?

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

What are some current issues related to maritime boundaries?

Disputes in the South China Sea and Arctic territorial claims due to climate change.

Define gerrymandering.

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or class over another.