Geography (Greek Geo (γη) or Gaea (γαία), meaning “Earth“, and graphein (γράφειν) meaning “to describe” or “to write”) is the study of the earth and its features, inhabitants, and phenomena. A literal translation would be “to describe or write about the Earth”. The first person to use the word “geography” was Eratosthenes (275-195 B.C.). Four historical traditions in geographical research are the spatial analysis of natural and human phenomena (geography as a study of distribution), area studies (places and regions), the study of man-land relationships, and research in earth sciences. Nonetheless, modern geography is an all-encompassing discipline that foremost seeks to understand the world and all of its human and natural complexities — not merely where objects are, but how they have changed and come to be. As “the bridge between the human and physical sciences,” geography is divided into two main branches — human geography and physical geography.
PORTALS
The World of Geography
Geography & Places Portals
The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquincentennial, the Sestercentennial or the Quarter Millennial, will be the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities will be scheduled to mark various events leading up to the anniversary on July 4, 2026. Background The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for the independence of the United
Smartencyclopedia- August 5, 2024
Bhutan has diplomatic relations with 54 of the 193 member states of the United Nations and the European Union. Bhutan’s limited number of such relations, including the absence of formal relations with any of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, is part of a deliberate isolationist policy of limiting foreign influence in the state. This
- Smartencyclopedia
- April 29, 2024
Nevada’s past is rich with tales of atomic tests and groundbreaking experiments that shaped the course of history. For those intrigued by the mysteries of the atomic age, a visit to the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas is just the beginning. To delve deeper into Nevada’s atomic legacy,
- Smartencyclopedia
- April 20, 2024
The U.S. Dollar Index (USDX, DXY, DX, or, informally, the “Dixie”) is an index (or measure) of the value of the United States dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, often referred to as a basket of U.S. trade partners’ currencies. The Index goes up when the U.S. dollar gains “strength” (value) when compared to other currencies. The index is designed, maintained,
São Jorge Castle (Portuguese: Castelo de São Jorge; Portuguese pronunciation: [kɐʃˈtɛlu ðɨ sɐ̃w ˈʒɔɾʒɨ]), sometimes known in English as Saint George’s Castle, is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. Human occupation of the castle hill dates to at least the 8th century BC while the oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd century
- Smartencyclopedia
- February 25, 2024
Saoradh (Irish: [ˈsˠiːɾˠə], “Liberation”) is a far-left political party and pressure group formed by dissident Irish republicans in 2016. It is active in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland and independent commentators describe the party as being close with the New IRA, although Saoradh themselves deny this. History Foundation The party was founded in
- Smartencyclopedia
- February 21, 2024
The John Birch Society (JBS) is an American right-wing political advocacy group. Founded in 1958, it is anti-communist, supports social conservatism, and is associated with the ultraconservative, radical right, far-right, right-wing populist, and right-wing libertarian ideas. Originally based in Belmont, Massachusetts, the JBS is now headquartered in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, with local chapters throughout the United States. It owns American Opinion Publishing, Inc., which
- Smartencyclopedia
- January 21, 2024
The Home Office (HO), also known (especially in official papers and when referred to in Parliament) as the Home Department, is a ministerial department of the British Government, responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. As such, it is responsible for policing in England and Wales, fire and rescue services in England, visas and immigration, and the Security Service (MI5). It is also
- Smartencyclopedia
- December 7, 2023
Lord Paddick’s illegal migration Bill The Illegal Migration Act 2023 is a piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, introduced by Suella Braverman, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in March 2023. The primary objective of the bill is to address and curtail “small
- Smartencyclopedia
- December 7, 2023
By José Carlos Palma * Quinta da Regaleira is a palace and gardens located in Sintra, Portugal. It was built in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy businessman with a passion for the occult. Monteiro was a member of several secret societies, and he incorporated
- Smartencyclopedia
- July 20, 2023