Chapter 2: Geography

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to geography's impact on economic development, health, and historical patterns.

Coastal Shoreline County

A county directly adjacent to the open ocean, major estuaries, or the Great Lakes.

Population Density

A measurement of population per unit area, typically expressed as people per square mile.

GDP per capita

Gross Domestic Product divided by the population, indicating the average economic output per person.

Geographical Features

Natural characteristics of a location that can impact its economic and social development.

Tropical Diseases

Diseases that are prevalent in tropical regions, often due to the climate and the presence of certain insects.

Malaria

A life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Economic Growth

An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization that took place from the late 18th to early 19th centuries.

Eurasia

A combined continental landmass of Europe and Asia, noted for housing many early civilizations.

Smithian Growth

Economic growth resulting from trade and specialization, named after economist Adam Smith.

Transport Infrastructure

The physical structures and systems that facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people.

Resource Curse

The paradox that countries with abundant natural resources often experience less economic growth and worse development outcomes.

Dutch Disease

An economic phenomenon where an influx of foreign currency from natural resource exploitation harms other sectors of the economy.

Preston Curve

A graphical representation showing the relationship between income and life expectancy over time.

Urban Penalty

The negative effects of living in urban areas, often in terms of health and disease prevalence.

Historical Distribution of Malaria

The geographical spread of malaria over time, indicating areas once affected by the disease.

Germ Theory of Disease

The theory that many diseases are caused by microorganisms, which has implications for public health.

Fertile Crescent

An area in the Middle East where agriculture and early civilizations began.

Natural Resources

Materials or substances occurring in nature that can be exploited for economic gain.

Economic Performance

How well an economy is doing, often measured through GDP, income, and other indicators.

Political Centralization

The concentration of political authority within a centralized government, often impacting development.

Infectious Diseases

Diseases caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one individual to another.

Education and Health Link

The connection between levels of education and health outcomes in populations.

Sustainable Economic Growth

Economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.

Life Expectancy

The average period that a person may expect to live, based on statistical averages.

Corruption in Extractive Industries

The unethical practices employed in industries that extract natural resources, impacting governance and development.

Exploitative Agriculture

Farming practices that lead to environmental degradation and inequality.

Socioeconomic Development

The process of social and economic improvement in a society, often linked to health and education.

Agricultural Productivity

The efficiency with which agricultural goods are produced, often affected by geography.

Institutions in Health

Established laws and organizations that influence public health and access to healthcare services.

Technological Advancement

The development of new technologies that improve efficiency and productivity.

Geographical Luck

A concept suggesting that some regions are more prosperous due to favorable geographical conditions.

Climate and Economic Output

The impact of climate on productivity and economic performance of a region.

Sub-Saharan Africa

The region of Africa situated south of the Sahara Desert, often facing unique health challenges.

Income Volatility

Fluctuations in income levels which can impact economic stability.

Human Capital Investment

Investment in education and health to enhance the productivity of the workforce.

Societal Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society, often influencing access to resources.

Economic Institutions

Structures that influence economic activity, such as markets, legal systems, and governments.

Causality in Health and Income

The complex relationship determining whether health impacts income, or vice versa.