Regions in Geographic Analysis What Makes a Region a Region?

Region One of the “5 Themes” of geography – Fundamental unit of analysis in geography – Can be large or small Area on the Earth’s surface marked by some degree of homogeneity

FORMAL Region Common cultural or physical characteristic is UNIFORM throughout – Every place within that region exhibits the characteristic which makes it a region For example: – French speakers – Gobi Desert

FUNCTIONAL Region Defined by a particular set of activities or interactions – Often center/periphery For example – Commuting areas – Government jurisdictions

PERCEPTUAL Region Also known as VERNACULAR Regions that exist as conceptualizations or in imaginations – Will often vary by person For Example “The South” or “Wild West”