1. Lesson One: Where are states distributed?
Political Geography
Lesson One: Where are states distributed?

2. Activity Directions: Open up the internet and research the following
Our first objective: Understand the difference between a state of the world and a state within the USA.
Activity Directions: Open up the internet and research the following
1. What is the definition of “state”?
2. How does the definition of “State” not apply to the 50 regional governments (NJ, NY, etc.) of the USA?
3. What are the 5 largest states in the world?
4. What is a microstate? List at least 2 microstates.
Bonus Question! Name a state of the USA that officially doesn't call itself a state!

3. 1. What is the definition of “state”?
State: An area organized into a political unit and ruled by an established government that has control over its internal and foreign affairs.
How many states are there in the world?

4. 2. How does the definition of “State” not apply to the 50 regional governments (NJ, NY, etc.) of the USA?
New Jersey does NOT have power over its foreign affairs.
Also it cannot make its own money or have its own military.

5. What are the 5 largest states in the world? Rank by Kilometers
1 Russia 17,098,242
2 Canada 9,984,670
3 US 9,826,675
4 China 9,596,960
5 Brazil 8,514,877
Can you name the other 5 largest nations in the world?

6. States with very small land areas. (Under 400 square miles)
What is a “microstate”?
States with very small land areas. (Under 400 square miles)
Vatican City
Monaco
San Marino
Andorra
Liechtenstein

7. Final Thought
1. With virtually all of the Earths land now allocated to states, how might the number of states increase in the future?

8. Our second objective: Explain why it is difficult to determine whether some territories are sovereign states.
Do Now: Look up the word “sovereignty”, what does it mean?
Independence from control of its internal affairs by other states.
Critical Thinking: There is no official number of sovereign sates in our world which everyone can accept. What forces exist that make people have this disagreement?

9. Korea: One state or two?
Quick Search: Find out about the Korean Peninsula
1. What are the official names of North and South Korea?
2. What country made Korea a colony before 1945?
3. List at 3 bullet points that discuss the Korean War.
4. What do both Koreas claim sovereignty over?
5. Who currently rules North Korea? What issues do we currently face with their leadership?
After answering these questions do you believe Korea is one state or two?

10. China and Taiwan China is called the Peoples Republic of China
Taiwan is called the Republic of China
Video Activity: Watch the following videos
Critical Thinking: Does Taiwan fit the definition of “Sovereign”? List the points which support your answer.

11. The Senkaku/Diaoyu/Diaoyutai Islands
Disputed between Japan, China, and Taiwan.
Largest island is only 1.7 square miles, smallest is a 8600 square foot rock cropping.
Japan controls the islands since 1895
China claims Japan seized them from them.
Japan says China never states it actually had sovereignty over the islands.
Your own opinion question: Who do you think the islands should belong to? Explain your answer.
Why do you think countries fight over uninhabited lands?

12. Sahrawi Republic/Western Sahara
Word Matching Research: Directions: Find out about the story of Western Sahara. Make sure you include the words below.
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Morocco
Spain
Sand Walls
Polisario Front
Critical Thinking: In your opinion which side has the right to the land? Why?

13. Final Thoughts
Other than military action, how might the sovereignty of these disputed territories be settled?
Do you understand both our objectives from this lesson?