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Afro-Diaspora

The global dispersion and cultural exchange of people of African descent, resulting from the transatlantic slave trade and migration. It encompasses the diverse experiences, histories, and contributions of African descendants in different regions, including the Americas, Europe, and beyond.

British Empire

Vast territorial dominion established by Great Britain from 16th to 20th century, spanning continents. Characterized by colonial rule, economic exploitation, and cultural influence.

christians

Religious belief centered on Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. Followers of Christianity believe in the Holy Trinity, the Bible as their sacred text, and the importance of faith, love, and forgiveness.

Liturgical

Type of worship service that follows a structured order and ritual, often practiced in Christian churches. Includes prayers, readings, hymns, and sacraments.

Protestant

A Christian denomination that emerged during the 16th-century Reformation. Protestants emphasize the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith alone, and reject certain Catholic doctrines and practices. Examples include Lutherans, Baptists, and Methodists.

Evangelical

A Protestant Christian movement emphasizing personal conversion, Bible-centered teaching, and active evangelism.

Pentecostal

Christian denomination emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in worship, preaching, and spiritual gifts. Known for enthusiastic worship, speaking in tongues, and belief in divine healing.

Communism

Economic system where means of production are owned by the community as a whole, aiming for a classless society without private property or social inequality.

Demography

The study of human populations, including their size, structure, and distribution, as well as the factors that influence these characteristics.

Drug Cartels

Organized criminal groups involved in illegal drug trafficking and distribution. Operate across borders, controlling production, transportation, and sales. Profit-driven, using violence and corruption to maintain control. Examples include Sinaloa Cartel.

Inflation

A rise in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. It erodes purchasing power and reduces the value of money.

Mexico City

Capital of Mexico, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling urban life. It is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people.

Mormonism

Religious movement founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Believes in additional scripture, the Book of Mormon, alongside the Bible. Emphasizes family values, baptism by immersion, and eternal life. Central teachings include the nature of God, the plan of salvation, and the importance of personal revelation.

nones

A religious term for individuals who have taken vows of celibacy and renounced marriage. They are typically members of a monastic order or religious community, devoting themselves to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God and others.

offshore banking

Flashcard: Offshore banking refers to the practice of keeping money in a bank located outside one's home country. It offers financial privacy, tax advantages, and asset protection.

pilgrimage

A journey to a sacred place for religious or spiritual reasons. It is often seen as a form of devotion and an opportunity for personal growth and reflection.

Santa Meurte

Goddess of death and protection in Mexican folk religion. Often depicted as a skeletal figure wearing a robe and holding a scythe. Associated with healing, love, and justice. Revered by many as a powerful and compassionate deity. Often invoked for guidance and protection in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Spanish Empire

Dominant European colonial empire during the 16th to 19th centuries. Spanning across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, it brought Spanish culture, language, and Catholicism to these regions. Known for its wealth from gold and silver mines, it faced decline due to wars, economic instability, and independence movements.

Syncretism

Syncretism: The blending of different beliefs, cultures, or traditions to create a new and unique system. It often occurs when two or more cultures come into contact and exchange ideas, resulting in a fusion of practices and beliefs.

The untied States

Country located in North America, consisting of 50 states, a federal district, and various territories. It is the third-largest country by land area and the third most populous. Known for its diverse culture, technological advancements, and economic power. Capital is Washington, D.C. Governed by a democratic system with a president as the head of state.

Virgin of Guadalupe

Symbolic representation of the Virgin Mary in Mexican culture. Associated with a vision of a dark-skinned woman in 1531, she became a symbol of Mexican identity and Catholic faith. Known for her iconic image on a cloak, which is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Canada

Country located in North America, second largest in the world by land area. Known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes. Official languages are English and French. Capital city is Ottawa. Known for its universal healthcare system, maple syrup production, and hockey.

Voodoo

Religious practice originating in West Africa, commonly associated with Haiti and Louisiana. Involves belief in spirits, rituals, and magic. Blends African, Catholic, and indigenous traditions. Emphasizes connection between physical and spiritual realms. Often misunderstood and stigmatized due to cultural biases and stereotypes.

overseas territories

Territories under the sovereignty of a state but located outside its borders. They have varying degrees of self-governance and are subject to the governing state's laws and regulations.

British Commonwealth

A voluntary association of 54 countries, mostly former territories of the British Empire. It promotes cooperation, democracy, and development among member nations.

El Salvador

Country in Central America, bordered by Honduras and Guatemala. Capital is San Salvador. Official language is Spanish. Known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and Mayan ruins. Economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances. Has a rich cultural heritage with influences from indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions

belize

Country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Official language is English. Known for its diverse culture, Mayan ruins, and Caribbean coastline. Capital is Belmopan.

where was sugar made

Caribbean plantations.

Folk saints

Folk saints: Local religious figures revered by communities, blending elements of traditional religion and Catholicism. They often represent marginalized groups and provide spiritual guidance and protection.

Archipelago

A group of islands closely scattered in a body of water, forming an archipelago.

Backwater Swamp

• Vast wetland located in southeastern United States

• Characterized by dark, murky water and dense vegetation

• Home to diverse wildlife, including alligators and wading birds

• Provides important ecosystem services, such as water filtration and flood control

• Offers opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and wildlife observation.

continent

One of the seven large land masses on Earth, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. Continents are defined by their distinct geographical features, such as landmass, climate, and flora/fauna. They are larger than islands and typically separated by oceans or seas.

Delta

A landform shaped like a triangle, formed when a river deposits sediment at its mouth. Deltas are often fertile and support diverse ecosystems. Example: The Nile Delta in Egypt.

Equator

Equator: Imaginary line encircling Earth, dividing it into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It's 0 degrees latitude and experiences the most direct sunlight, resulting in a warm climate.

Estuary

An ecosystem where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique and productive environment.

Glaciers

Flashcard: "Large bodies of ice that form from compacted snow and move slowly downhill due to gravity. They shape the landscape through erosion and deposition, carving valleys and leaving behind moraines.

Hemisphere

Half of the Earth, divided either by the equator (into Northern and Southern Hemispheres) or by the Prime Meridian (into Eastern and Western Hemispheres).

isthmus

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses, usually with water on both sides.

Latitude

Angular distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. It determines the location's position relative to the Earth's equator and helps in mapping and navigation.

longitude

The angular distance of a location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees. It helps determine a specific point's position on the Earth's surface and is used in navigation and mapping.

meander

"A winding curve or bend in a river or stream caused by erosion and deposition of sediment. It often forms oxbow lakes and is a common feature in floodplains."

Mercator

"Mercator: A cylindrical map projection that accurately represents the shape and direction of land masses, but distorts their size. It is commonly used for nautical navigation and world maps."

plateau

Plateau: A flat, elevated landform characterized by steep sides and a relatively flat top. It is formed by geological forces, such as volcanic activity or tectonic uplift.

Rain forests

Vast ecosystems characterized by high rainfall, dense vegetation, and high biodiversity. They are home to over half of the world's plant and animal species.

savannah

A savannah is a grassy ecosystem found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is characterized by scattered trees, a variety of grass species, and a dry and wet season. It supports a diverse range of wildlife, including herbivores like zebras and giraffes, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs.

source

The origin or beginning point of something, such as a river or stream. It is where water or any other substance emerges or flows out from.

taiga

The world's largest terrestrial biome, characterized by cold temperatures, long winters, and coniferous forests. Found in high latitudes, such as Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. Supports a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bears. Plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and carbon storage.

Temperate forest

A biome characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons, with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Found in regions with ample rainfall and moderate climates, these forests support diverse plant and animal species. They play a vital role in regulating global climate and providing habitats for many organisms.

Mercator

A cylindrical map projection that accurately represents the shape and direction of landmasses, but distorts their size. It is commonly used for nautical navigation and is named after the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator.

Projection

A process of representing a three-dimensional object or space onto a two-dimensional surface. It involves transforming points from a given perspective to create a flat image with depth and perspective. Used in art, engineering, and computer graphics to create realistic representations.

Goods

Items that are tangible and satisfy people's wants and needs. They can be bought and sold in the marketplace. Examples include food, clothing, and electronics.

Tropic of Cancer

Imaginary line located at 23.5 degrees north of the Equator. It marks the northernmost point where the Sun appears directly overhead during the summer solstice. It passes through Mexico, India, and the Sahara Desert.

Tropic of Capricon

An imaginary line of latitude located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator. It marks the southernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead during the December solstice. It passes through countries such as Brazil, South Africa, and Australia.

Brackish

A type of water that is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. It typically occurs in estuaries, where rivers meet the ocean. The salinity of brackish water is higher than freshwater but lower than seawater. It is an important habitat for certain species adapted to tolerate this unique environment.

Altitude

The vertical distance of a point above or below the Earth's surface.

Topographic

Study of landforms and their features, including elevation, slope, and contour lines. Helps understand Earth's surface and how it changes over time.

tundra

a biome characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a short growing season. It is found in the Arctic and alpine regions of the world. The vegetation consists of low-growing plants like mosses, lichens, and shrubs.

Belize

It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The capital city is Belmopan. it has a diverse geography, including coastal plains, mountains, and the Belize Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country has a tropical climate and is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of plant and animal species. The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and offshore banking.

California

a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for its diverse geography, including the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Central Valley, and the Mojave Desert. It is the most populous state in the United States and has a diverse economy, with industries such as technology, entertainment, agriculture, and tourism.

Canada

is the second-largest country in the world by land area, located in North America. It is bordered by the United States to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Arctic Ocean to the north. It is known for its diverse geography, including vast forests, prairies, mountains, and numerous lakes. It has a population of approximately 38 million people and is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. It is known for its multiculturalism, universal healthcare system, and strong economy, with key industries including natural resources, manufacturing, and technology.

Caribbean

is a region located in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of numerous islands and countries. It is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultures. The region is a popular tourist destination and has a rich history influenced by indigenous peoples, European colonization, and African slavery. It is also known for its music genres such as reggae, calypso, and salsa.

Cayman Island

is a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The capital city is George Town, located on Grand Cayman. The Cayman Islands are a popular tourist destination and also known as a major offshore financial center.

Cuba

is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest island in the Caribbean and is situated just south of the United States and the Bahamas. Cuba has a socialist political system and has been the subject of various political and economic issues throughout its history.

Dominican Republic

Country in the Caribbean, located on the island of Hispaniola, and known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Capital is Santo Domingo. The official language is Spanish. is in a political war with Hati. Is building a wall against Hati.

El savador

Central American country bordered by Honduras and Guatemala. Known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and Mayan ruins. The official language is Spanish. Struggles with high levels of poverty, crime, and gang violence.

Greater Antilles

Group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Includes Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

Haiti

Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. . Official languages are French and Haitian Creole. Has faced numerous challenges, including poverty, political instability, and natural disasters.

Hispaniola

The Caribbean island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is the second-largest island in the Caribbean and was the site of Christopher Columbus' first landing in the Americas in 1492.

Martinique

An island in the Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Martinique is an overseas region of France. Mount Pelée is a Deadly volcano in Martinique, Caribbean. Famous for its catastrophic eruption in 1902, killing 30,000 people. Active stratovolcano with a history of explosive eruptions.

Mexico

Country in North America known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cuisine, and ancient ruins. Home to famous landmarks like Chichen Itza and the Mayan pyramids. Capital is Mexico City. Official language is Spanish. High levels of crime and violence prevalent in Mexico, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and street crime. Factors such as poverty, corruption, and drug cartels contribute to the ongoing security challenges in the country. Gangs are iguana 43 and