AP Human Geo - Unit 7 Vocabulary

Industrial Revolution

A period of significant technological, economic, and social change marked by the transition from agrarian and craft-based economies to industrialized and mechanized production.

Industrilization

The process of developing and expanding industrial sectors within an economy, often involving the growth of manufacturing and factory-based production.

Primary Sector

The sector of the economy focused on raw material extraction and natural resource-based activities, such as agriculture, mining, and fishing.

Secondary Sector

The sector of the economy involved in manufacturing and processing activities, including the production of goods and construction.

Tertiary Sector

The sector of the economy that provides services to individuals and businesses, such as healthcare, education, retail, and finance.

Quarternary Sector

The sector of the economy that focuses on knowledge-based activities, including research, information technology, and professional services.

Quinary Sector

The highest level of the economy, encompassing decision-making, leadership, and high-level management in government, business, education, and other fields.

Break-of-Bulk Point

A location where goods are transferred between different modes of transportation or between different carriers, often involving a change in the form of the goods.

Least Cost Theory

An economic theory that explains the location of industries based on minimizing transportation, labor, and production costs.

Core Countries

Highly developed and industrialized nations with advanced economies and significant political and economic influence on a global scale.

Semi-Periphery Countries

Intermediate-level countries with moderate industrialization and development, often serving as a bridge between core and periphery countries.

Periphery Countries

Less developed nations with limited industrialization and lower economic development, often economically dependent on core countries.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period, typically one year.

Gross National Product (GNP)

The total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, including income earned abroad and excluding foreign residents' income.

Gross National Income (GNI)

The total income earned by a country's residents and businesses, including both domestic and foreign sources.

Formal Economy

Economic activities that are regulated, monitored, and taxed by the government and recognized in official economic statistics.

Informal Economy

Economic activities that are not regulated or monitored by the government and often involve unreported income and unregistered businesses.

Gender Inequality Index (GII)

A measure of gender-based disparities in health, empowerment, and labor market participation within a country.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite index that measures a country's overall development based on indicators of health, education, and income.

Gender Parity

Achieving equal representation and opportunities for both genders in various aspects of society, such as education and employment.

Microloans

Small, low-interest loans provided to individuals or small businesses, often in developing countries, to support entrepreneurship and economic development.

Stages of Economic Growth

The phases of development through which countries progress, often characterized by changes in economic structure and standards of living.

World System Theory

A theory that classifies countries into core, semi-periphery, and periphery categories based on their economic roles and relationships in the global economy.

Dependency Theory

A theory that explores how less developed countries are economically and politically dependent on more developed nations.

Commodity Theory

The idea that many less developed countries are heavily dependent on the export of primary commodities, such as raw materials and agricultural products.

Commodity Dependence

The reliance of a country's economy on the export of specific commodities, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and market conditions.

Complementary Advantage

When two or more countries or regions specialize in the production of different goods or services based on their unique strengths and resources, resulting in mutually beneficial trade relationships.

Comparative Advantage

A country's ability to produce goods or services at a lower opportunity cost compared to other countries.

Neoliberal Policy

Economic policies that emphasize limited government intervention, free-market capitalism, and deregulation.

Free-Trade Agreement

An agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers and tariffs, promoting the exchange of goods and services.

European Union

A political and economic union of European countries that share a common currency (the Euro) and collaborate on various policy areas.

World Trade Organization

An international organization that promotes global trade by establishing rules and agreements to facilitate trade and resolve disputes.

OPEC

A coalition of oil-producing countries that coordinates oil production and pricing policies.

International Monetary Fund

An international financial institution that provides financial assistance, economic advice, and stability measures to member countries.

Outsourcing

The practice of contracting out specific tasks or business processes to external service providers, often in other countries.

Special Economic Zones

Designated areas within a country with economic regulations and incentives to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.

Free Trade Zones

Areas where goods can be imported, stored, and processed without being subject to customs duties or trade restrictions.

Export-Processing Zones

Special areas where foreign companies can establish factories and produce goods for export, often benefiting from tax incentives.

International Division of Labor

The global allocation of production and manufacturing tasks based on cost-efficiency and comparative advantage.

Economies of Scale

The cost advantages that result from increasing the scale of production and reducing per-unit costs.

Agglomeration

The concentration of businesses and industries in a specific geographic area to benefit from proximity and shared resources.

Just-In-Time Delivery

A production and inventory management strategy in which goods are produced and delivered precisely when needed to minimize storage costs.

Sustainable Development

Economic growth and development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Ecotourism

Tourism that focuses on responsible and sustainable travel, emphasizing natural and cultural conservation and community involvement.