Political_Geography-Morphology

Compact State

A state with a circular or rectangular shape where the distance from the center to any boundary does not vary significantly, facilitating easy communication and governance.

Prorupted State

A compact state with a large projecting extension; can lead to issues of devolution.

Fragmented State

A state consisting of several discontinuous pieces of territory, like islands; can cause challenges in governance.

Perforated State

A state that completely surrounds another state, creating additional governance and interaction challenges.

Elongated State

A state with a long, narrow shape that can affect transportation and communication.

Microstate

A tiny, often homogenous state that usually has limited land area and population.

Exclave

A portion of a state's territory that is separated from the main part and surrounded by another state.

Enclave

A landlocked territory that is completely surrounded by another state.

Antecedent Boundary

A boundary that was established before the area became populated and before cultural distinctions began to appear. Ex. The boundary between the United States and Canada

Subsequent Boundary

A boundary that was established after an area has been settled and reflects social and cultural characteristics. An example is the boundary between India and Pakistan, and also the boundary between Northern and Southern Ireland.

Superimposed Boundary

A boundary that ignores existing cultural landscapes, imposed by an outside force.An example is the borders in Africa established during colonial times, which often disregarded ethnic and cultural divisions.

Relic Boundary

A boundary that no longer exists but still affects the region, such as the former boundaries of East and West Germany, which influenced social and economic interactions long after reunification.

Balkanization

The process of fragmentation or breakdown of political entities into smaller, often hostile units.

Law of the Sea

International agreement that establishes guidelines for the use and conservation of the oceans, including territorial limits.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.