Introduction
Why Do Boundaries Cause Problems?
A boundary is an invisible line that marks the extent of a state’s territory. Boundaries completely
surround an individual state to mark the outer limits of its territorial control and to give it a distinctive
shape. Historically, frontiers rather than boundaries separated states. A frontier is a zone where no state
exercises complete political control. Frontiers between states have been replaced by boundaries.
Boundaries may be classified into three categories:
• Cultural boundaries follow the distribution of cultural features.
• Geometric boundaries are based on human constructs, such as straight lines.
• Physical boundaries coincide with significant features of the natural landscape.
Boundary locations may be the source of conflict, both within a country and with its neighbors.
Shape of States The shape of a state controls the length of its boundaries with other states. Therefore, the
shape affects the potential for communication and conflict with neighbors. The shape is also a part of its
unique identity. Beyond its position as a centripetal force, the shape of a state can impact the degree of
successful of internal administration and can affect social unity.
States may take on one of five basic shapes:
- compact
- elongated
- prorupted
- fragmented
- perforated
Task
Process
Part 1- Define the 5 shapes of states
- compact
- elongated
- prorupted
- fragmented
- perforated
Part 2- Look at an online atlas to determine the shapes of the following countries based on the definition. On a sheet of paper, list the country and the shape of the country based on the information from your textbook and definitions.
Use the following atlas online: https://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/world.htm to look up the states shapes.
- Spain
- Japan
- Italy
- The Gambia
- Mali
- Indonesia
- Ethiopia
- South Africa
- Vietnam
- The Philippines
- Namibia
- Thailand
- Poland
- Chile
- Greece
- Belarus
- Eritrea
- Nunavut (Territory of Canada)
- Sweden
- Myanmar/Burma
- Nepal
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
Evaluation
Log into Socrative Room Name: UZRGJS5
Answer the questions for a quiz grade.
There are 7 questions
Conclusion
Turn your state shape papers and definitions into the box.
Make sure your name is on it.