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Territorial Tactics- The Shape of Success

Background. A country's size, shape, and location influence ita ecomomy, transportation, and global connections. Geography affects access to resources, trade routes, and defense strategies, while fatanantains, rivers, and coastlines shape movement and development. Some locations provide direct access to markets, whale ties require alternative solutions for trade and communication. The way a country is structured can present both opportunities and challenges, lafluencing how it interacts with the world.

SSWG3. Evaluate how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of the earth's surface.

b. Explain how geography (size, shape, and relative location) caa itu an advantage or disadvantage to participation in global exchange

(e.g. Chile. Indonesia. Russia. Canada. South Africa/Lesotho, Turkey, and Switzerland).

Learning Target: I can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different shapes, sizes, and locations of countries

Instructions: Read the passages below, exploring the shape, size, and location of various countries. As you read, highlight the advantages in one color and the disadvantages in another color. Then, list the advantages and disadvantages of that country's shape and size in the table an the side. Next, explain whether this geographic feature is overall advantageous or disadvantageous. At the end of this assignment, you will use what you have learned to design a country of your own with the most ideal geography!

Canada- Allied Border

Canada shares the longest unprotected border in the world with the United States stretching over 5.500 miles. This open boundary allows for strong trade, easy travel and close diplomatic ties with its largest economic partner. However, it also presents security challenges, requiring cooperation to monoge immigration smuggling and defense. While proximity to the II.S. provides annomic and cultural benefits. Canadian industries sametimes struggle to const with the larger American market. Despite these challenges. Canada's gugraphy has heleerd become a resource-rich, globally connected nation.

Advantages-
Disadvantages-
Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why.

Lesotho- Enclave

Lesotho is a landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa. making it one of the world's few enclaved nations. This unique geographical situation has significant effects-both positive and negative-on Lesotho's economy, trade, security, and daily life. Since South Africa is a major economic power in Africa, Lesotho benefits from trade and business ties. Lesotho relies on South Africa for imports, including food, fuel, medical supplies, and manufactured goods. South Africa's stronger healthcare system provides medical treatment for many of Lesotho's citizens. Better infrastructure in South Africa benefits Lesotho through improved roads. communication, and transport links. Lesotho is highly dependent on South Africa's economy-any downturn in South Africa directly affects Lesotho. Limited industries and jobs force many of Lesotho's citizens to migrate to South Africa for work. Since Lesotho is fully enclosed, it cannot expand its territory, even if its population grows. It must rely on South African infrastructure for access to international trade. Although trade is easy, Lesotho does not control its own access to the sea and relies on South African ports for global trade.

Advantages-
Disadvantages-
Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why.

Turkey- Cultural Crossroads

Turkey's strategic location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East has shaped its history, economy, and culture. Burdering eight nations, it serves as a bridge between civilizations, religions, and trade networks. The Bosporus Strait a key global waterway. controls access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. making Turkey an important hub for shipping and energy transit from Russia. Iran. and Azerbaijan to Europe.

Its ties to both Europe and the Middle East create economic opportunities and security challenges. A Customs Union with the Ell makes Europe its biggest trading partner, while conflicts in Syria and Iraq have brought security concerns and a major refugee crisis. Turkey benefits from tourism and trade but also navigates tensions with Greece, Armenia, and Iraq. As a country straddling East and West. Turkey remains a key player in global affairs, balancing economic growth with regional stability.

Advantages-
Disadvantages-
Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why.

Switzerland-Mountainous Terrain

Switzerland's mountainous terrain has influenced its defense, economy, and way of life for centuries. The Alps cover 60% of the country, providing a natural barrier that has historically protected Switzerland from invasions and helped maintain its neutrality and independence. During World War II, its military strategy relied on retreating into the mountains for defense. The Alps also shape Switzerland's economy, making large-scale farming difficult, but supporting dairy farming. which produces its world-famous cheese and chocolate.

The Alps drive Switzerland's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. However, the rugged landscape makes transportation costly and complex, requiring expensive tunnels and bridges like the $12 billion Gotthard Base Tunnel. Limited flat land leads to high real estate prices, and many remote alpine villages face harsh winters. lunches, and declining populations as young people move to cities for hatter opportunities. Despite these challenges. Switzerland has built a strong economy through banking. finance, and tourism, with one of the highest average incomes in the world.

Advantages-
Disadvantages-
Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why.

1 answer

Certainly! Below are the advantages and disadvantages for each of the countries based on their geographical features, along with an evaluation of whether their geographic advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Canada - Allied Border

Advantages:

  • Strong trade relations with the United States.
  • Easy travel and close diplomatic ties.
  • Resource-rich nation with global connections.

Disadvantages:

  • Security challenges related to immigration and smuggling.
  • Canadian industries may struggle to compete with the larger American market.

Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why. Overall, Canada’s shape and location are more advantageous. The extensive, unprotected border allows for significant trade and cooperation with the U.S., its largest economic partner. While security challenges exist, the economic benefits and access to resources and markets outweigh the disadvantages.

Lesotho - Enclave

Advantages:

  • Trade and business ties with South Africa, a major economic power.
  • Access to South Africa’s healthcare system.
  • Better infrastructure in South Africa benefits Lesotho’s transport and communication.

Disadvantages:

  • Highly dependent on South Africa's economy; downturns impact Lesotho severely.
  • Limited job opportunities force migration to South Africa for work.
  • Enclosure limits territorial expansion and access to international trade routes.

Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why. Lesotho's geographic shape is more disadvantageous. While there are benefits from proximity to South Africa, the reliance on a single country for essentials, the lack of control over access to seaports, and limited internal economic opportunities create significant vulnerabilities.

Turkey - Cultural Crossroads

Advantages:

  • Strategic location between Europe and Asia enhances trade and cultural exchange.
  • Acts as a bridge for energy transit and shipping routes, particularly via the Bosporus Strait.
  • Economic opportunities from tourism and trade with multiple regions.

Disadvantages:

  • Security challenges from regional conflicts (Syria, Iraq) impact stability.
  • Tensions with neighboring countries like Greece and Armenia pose risks.

Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why. Turkey's location is more advantageous. Its strategic position allows it to leverage trade and cultural exchanges and enhances its importance in global affairs. Although security challenges exist, the economic opportunities and geopolitical significance provide substantial advantages.

Switzerland - Mountainous Terrain

Advantages:

  • Natural barriers created by the Alps provide protection and contribute to neutrality.
  • A strong economy driven by tourism and a robust banking system.
  • Dairy farming thrives despite challenging farming conditions.

Disadvantages:

  • Rugged terrain complicates transportation and increases associated costs.
  • Limited flat land leads to high real estate prices and rural depopulation.
  • Harsh winters impact some regions, leading to declining populations.

Is this territorial shape more advantageous or disadvantageous? Explain why. Switzerland's geographical shape is more advantageous. The mountains provide a protective barrier and have fostered a unique economy centered around tourism and finance. While there are certain challenges related to transportation and population dynamics, the overall economic and defensive benefits outweigh these issues.

Summary Table

| Country | Advantages | Disadvantages | More Advantageous or Disadvantageous? | |------------|------------|---------------|--------------------------------------| | Canada | Strong trade, easy travel, resource-rich | Security challenges, industry competition | More advantageous due to economic benefits | | Lesotho | Trade ties, healthcare access, infrastructure | Economic dependency, limited expansion | More disadvantageous due to vulnerabilities | | Turkey | Strategic location, trade opportunities | Regional security challenges | More advantageous with economic leverage | | Switzerland| Protection and neutrality, economic strength | Transportation costs, limited land | More advantageous due to strong economic position |

Using these insights, you can now create your own ideal country by considering geographic features that maximize advantages while minimizing disadvantages!