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Size, Shape, and boundaries can effect a countries ability to govern. It can also effect
its economy and political stability.
Size, shape, location and designation of political boundaries play an important role in
States economy, political stability, relations with other nations, and its culture
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Distance decay was a problem in the old USSR. Officials far away from Moscow were
less apt to carry out commands from the central govt.
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Compact states will have less difficulty with governing especially if the capital is in the
center and there is a fairly equal distance to all areas.
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What might make it difficult to govern an elongated state?
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South Africa in this case is the perforated state. The Vatican is located inside Italy.
Italy is the perforated state.
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Fragmented States can be separated by water or by an intervening state. What do you
think might be difficult to govern a fragmented state?
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Afghanistan on the left and Thailand on the right.
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Due to their relative location in Europe, microstates are strong economically. They
have few resources but specialize in service based economic activities.
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Nagorno-Karabakh is an ethnic enclave of Christian Armenians located inside Muslim
Azerbaijan. While Nagorno-Karabakh is legally part of Azerbaijan, it operates as a
psuedo-independent country.
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After WWII, Germany was divided into two countries: West Germany and East
Germany. The city of West Berlin, while located in East Germany, belonged to West
Germany. Therefore, West Berlin was an exclave of West Germany. At the same
time, West Berlin was an enclave within East Germany.
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What economic disadvantages are faced by land-locked countries? International
trade is difficult for landlocked countries as most international trade is via container
ships. While most landlocked states lag economically, some, such as Switzerland, do
not. Switzerland’s relative location to highly functioning economies in Europe allow it
to trade successfully.
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The USA could have the best relative location in the world. To the north and south
are countries that are stable, friendly to the USA, and able to engage in trade. To the
east and west are two major oceans that make invasion extremely difficult. The
climates of the USA are rarely too harsh for humans. Additionally, the USA has an
abundance of arable land and natural resources.
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Relative location can be a benefit if it is close to resources, harbor sites, proximity to
friendly nations, and accessibility. Singapore has a good relative location because of
it’s relative location to the strait of Malacca. Singapore has a well educated
population and excellent digital and port infrastructure. Singapore is a major player
in Asian banking as well. It is also a major port connecting East and West as container
ships travel through the region.
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Chad has a difficult relative location. Most of the country is located in the Sahara
desert. There are few economically viable natural resources in Chad. Chad is also
landlocked. Additionally, Chad is located in an unstable part of Africa. Libya to the
north has recently seen a civil war as has Sudan to the west. Refugees from the
Sudanese Darfur conflict life in the western portion of Chad putting further stress on
a resources strapped country.
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