TASK 1: BUILDING A NATION

Question 1
Where is your nation located? Start building your nation by first selecting its location and geography.
Part A
Consider the following choices of location and note the possible advantages and disadvantages of each choice. For example, an island nation may have deep harbors for trade and long stretches of coastline for fishing. However, it may have limited potential for expanding its industries. You will use this information to choose a location for your society.
Location
Pros
Cons
Small Island Nation
many deep harbors
long stretches of coastline
rivers and streams
temperate climate
rocky soil
some pastureland and forests inland
some mineral deposits
no fossil fuel deposits

c
Large Landlocked Nation
no coastline
mild climate, rich soil, flat plains, and few trees
no mineral or fossil fuel deposits
water from underground wells
some lakes and streams

Midsize Nation with One Coast
one good harbor
tropical climate along a narrow strip of coast with rich soil and dense vegetation
interior mostly desert
fossil fuel deposits inland

Midsize Nation
single, long coast with many rocks and few natural harbors
mountainous terrain
cold climate
plenty of freshwater from rivers, lakes, streams, and melting glaciers
poor soil
scarce vegetation in many areas
rich mineral and fossil fuel deposits

Part B
Which location did you choose? Why?
Enter your answer to Part B here:

Question 2
What does your nation look like? Outline your country. Fill it in with some of the major land formations such as mountains, rivers, lakes, plains, or deserts. Show whether your country is landlocked, has a coast, or is surrounded by water. You may also include a capital city or any other major city if your country has them.
You may hand-draw and upload an image or use tools such as Google Draw or Paint to copy/paste your diagram below.

Question 3
What kind of economy does your nation have? Answer the following questions to develop your nation’s economy.
Part A
What industries will be the most productive for your nation? Can your nation manufacture goods or does its income come from trading raw materials? What can your society sell to other societies? What goods and resources will it need to obtain from others? Remember, tourism is an industry too. Fill in the table to describe your nation’s economy.
Natural resources

Major industries

Major exports

Major imports

Other important things about your nation’s economy

Part B
Think about your nation’s location and economy. How do you think geography affects the economy?
Enter your answer to Part B here:

Part C
Do you think your nation is wealthy or has the capacity to become so? Why or why not?
Enter your answer to Part C here:

Question 4
What kind of government does your nation have? Answer the following questions to help develop your nation’s government.
Part A
Government is one of the most important social institutions in every culture. Think about each type of government in the table and note some of its pros and cons. For example, dictators or absolute monarchs may be able to get things done rapidly because there is no opposition. However, such leaders might also oppress others because there are no limits on their power.
Types of Government
Pros
Cons
Dictator or Absolute Monarch
One individual has all the power.
There is no constitution.
There are no elected representatives from the people.

Constitutional Monarchy
All individuals, including the monarch, are bound to obey the laws of the constitution.
The monarchy is hereditary.
The representatives elected by the people help the monarch rule.

Constitutional Republic
The president and representatives are elected by the people.
All individuals are bound by the laws of the Constitution.
Representatives and the president work together to make new laws.

Pure Democracy
The president is elected by the people.
There are no representatives.
All people participate in making laws.
Anyone can introduce a new law, and all individuals get to vote on whether it should be enacted.

Other
There are many different forms of government. If you can think of others, list them here along with the pros and cons of each.

Part B
What type of government did you choose? Why?
Enter your answer to Part B here:

Question 5
What are your nation’s population and institutions? Answer the following questions to develop this aspect of your nation.
Part A
Describe the population, religion, language, and education system in your society. Each description should be 50 to 100 words. Fill in the table to help organize your thoughts. If you need help coming up with ideas, review these questions and statements.
population

language

religion

education

Part B
Most societies celebrate holidays, either religious or secular. Can you think of a holiday your society would celebrate? It may be a real holiday or one you have made up. Does everyone celebrate this holiday? Why or why not?
Enter your answer to Part B here:

Question 6
What kind of art and architecture does your nation have? Answer the following questions to develop your nation’s culture.
Part A
Look at the images of architecture and art. Which image shows a style you think might be most typical in your society? You can choose more than one if you wish.

Enter the numbers that correspond to the images you chose::

Part B
Look at the images you have chosen. Can you think of one way in which geography or natural resources influence the art or architecture of a nation? How does the image you chose support your answer?
Enter your answer to Part B here:

TASK 2: DESCRIBING YOUR NATION
Think of the questions you answered and the image you selected in the previous task. Give your country a name if you have not done so already. Then write a short explanation of 150 to 200 words about your nation. Include information on geography, natural resources, economy, government, social institutions, and cultural traits. What are some of the strengths of your society? What are some of its weaknesses? What do you think your society can offer the rest of the world? What might it need to obtain or learn from other societies?
Enter your answer to Task 2 here:

1 answer

TASK 1: BUILDING A NATION

Question 1

Part A Location and Geography Pros and Cons:

| Location | Pros | Cons | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Small Island Nation | - Many deep harbors<br>- Long stretches of coastline<br>- Rivers and streams<br>- Temperate climate | - Rocky soil<br>- Limited pastureland<br>- No fossil fuel deposits | | Large Landlocked Nation | - Mild climate<br>- Rich soil<br>- Flat plains | - No coastline<br>- No mineral or fossil fuel deposits | | Midsize Nation with One Coast | - One good harbor<br>- Tropical climate<br>- Rich soil and dense vegetation | - Interior mainly desert<br>- Limited freshwater | | Midsize Nation | - Long coast with few natural harbors<br>- Plenty of freshwater<br>- Rich mineral & fossil fuel deposits | - Mountainous terrain<br>- Poor soil<br>- Cold climate |

Part B I chose the Midsize Nation with One Coast due to its advantageous tropical climate and rich soil along the coast, which favors agriculture and farming. Despite the interior being mostly desert, the coastal region with one good harbor provides opportunities for trade and fishing. Additionally, the presence of fossil fuel deposits inland could stimulate industrial development and energy production, making it a balanced choice for growth and sustainability.


Question 2

For my nation, envision a coastal territory shaped like a crescent moon with the coast facing the ocean. The interior features a range of rolling hills leading to a vast desert. A major river flows from the hills towards the ocean, creating a fertile delta. The capital city lies at the mouth of the river and acts as the primary harbor for trade.


Question 3

Part A | Natural Resources | Major Industries | Major Exports | Major Imports | Other Important Aspects | |--------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Fertile land, fossil fuels, freshwater, fish | Agriculture (crops, seafood), Energy (fossil fuels) | Crops, seafood, and fossil fuels | Manufactured goods, technology, and luxury items | Tourism due to natural beauty and coastal pathways |

Part B Geography plays a crucial role in shaping my nation’s economy. The tropical climate allows for year-round agriculture, making farming a profitable industry. The coastal access promotes trade and fishing, while the inland fossil fuels can power industry and energy needs. However, the interior desert may require the nation to import certain goods, which could affect economic balance.

Part C I believe my nation has the potential to become wealthy because of its rich natural resources and strategic geographic position for trade. The combination of agriculture, fishing, and energy production can result in a thriving economy if managed well. However, reliance on imports could be a challenge that needs addressing.


Question 4

Part A | Types of Government | Pros | Cons | |-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Dictator or Absolute Monarch | Fast decision-making without opposition | Potential for oppression and lack of freedoms | | Constitutional Monarchy | Monarch serves a symbolic role; laws binding to all | Elected representatives may have limited power | | Constitutional Republic | Elected leadership promotes democracy | Slow decision-making process due to bureaucracy | | Pure Democracy | Direct involvement of citizens in decision-making | Impractical for large populations and can be chaotic |

Part B I chose a Constitutional Republic for my nation because it balances the need for strong leadership while ensuring that citizens have a voice in their government through elected representatives. This structure allows for stability and accountability.


Question 5

Part A | Population | Language | Religion | Education | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Approximately 2 million | A unique blend of local dialects and a national language | A mix of indigenous beliefs and a popular faith | Free education system up to university, emphasis on critical thinking and environmental studies |

Part B My society celebrates a holiday called Harmony Day, which focuses on unity among different cultural and religious groups. It involves community gatherings, festivals, and art showcases. While most celebrate, some minority groups may not participate due to differing beliefs.


Question 6

Part A I envision the architecture of my nation as being influenced by traditional tropical designs, featuring open spaces, natural materials, and colorful aesthetics. Art will reflect the rich biodiversity and culture of the region through vibrant murals and sculptures.

Part B The natural resources in my nation, specifically the tropical wood, will influence the construction style. Designs may incorporate large overhangs to provide shade and reduce heat, showcasing a blend of functional and aesthetic appeal in how structures are integrated with nature.


TASK 2: DESCRIBING YOUR NATION

My nation, named Crescent Shores, is located along a crescent coastline characterized by a tropical climate, complemented by rich, fertile lands ideal for agriculture. The nation boasts significant natural resources, including fossil fuels and extensive fishing opportunities, which form the backbone of its economy alongside agriculture. Governed as a Constitutional Republic, Crescents Shores promises representation and stability to its citizens while encouraging active participation in governance.

The population is diverse, reflecting various cultural backgrounds, with a unique blend of languages and traditions. Education is highly prioritized, fostering critical thinking and environmental awareness among the youth. Crescent Shores is known for its vibrant celebrations, particularly Harmony Day, which unites the community through shared values and cultural expression.

While the nation has many strengths, including a strong economic foundation and a thriving tourism sector, its geographic challenges, particularly a portion of the interior desert, may limit agricultural expansion and necessitate imports. Overall, Crescent Shores has the potential to become a significant player on the global stage, contributing agricultural products and energy while seeking technological advancements from other societies.