Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Geography

Factors Affecting Population Distribution

From Ireland's gently rolling hills to Iceland's icy glaciers and fiery volcanoes, Northern Europe is a land of great variety. Because of this variety, the physical geography of Northern Europe changes greatly from one location to another.

Two regions—the British Isles and Scandinavia—make up Northern Europe. To the southwest lie the British Isles, a group of islands located across the English Channel from the rest of Europe. Northeast of the British Isles is Scandinavia, a region of islands and peninsulas in far northern Europe. The island of Iceland, to the west, is often considered part of Scandinavia.

Hills and Mountains

Rough, rocky hills and low mountains cover much of Northern Europe. Rugged hills stretch across much of Iceland, northern... Continue reading "Physical Geography of Northern Europe: Hills, Mountains, Farmland, Glaciers, and Natural Resources" »

Demographic and Economic Recovery

Major epidemics disappeared and the birth rate increased, leading to a population rise. Agricultural surplus was generated and sold. Improvements in shipping gave rise to trade. This increased the production of hand-made goods and manufacturing, and the growth of cities. Bills of exchange were created to facilitate trade and payments.

Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The economic power of the bourgeoisie did not come from the land. They made their money from capital, investing in profitable activities such as trade, manufacturing, and banking. The first capitalist companies emerged, laying the groundwork for merchant capitalism. Commercial exchanges represented a major source of wealth.

The Strengthening of the Monarchy

In... Continue reading "European Transformation: 15th-16th Century Social and Religious Shifts" »

MEAT

We divide meat into two groups: RED MEAT, like beef or lamb, which is red before and dark after you cook it; or WHITE MEAT, such as poultry, which keeps its light color after you cook it.

TYPES OF MEAT

Els anglesos per referir-se a la carn d'un animal no utilitzen la mateixa paraula que defineix l'animal, exepte algunes exepcions:

• CALF (vadell petit) - VEAL
• COW - BEEF
• PIG - PORK
• SHEEP - MUTTON
• YOUNG SHEEP (xai) - LAMB
• YOUNG GOAT (cabra petita) - KID or KID GOAT

El HORSE, DONKEY and RABBIT, el nom per referir-se a la carn d'aquests animals és la mateixa.

Quan ens referim a la carn de caça:

• DEER or WILD BOAR - VENISON
• HARE: Llebre

TYPES OF MEAT (2)

• - LAMB: Young sheep, provides very tender meat and can be roast, grilled or barbecued. Aromas like mint,

The consequences of colonialism were devastating for some native populations:

• The local government was eliminated or subjected to foreign control.
• The native economy was altered as the colonies replaced traditional crops with plantations of products for exportation.
• Commerce was mainly beneficial for the metropolitan state, and the infrastructures were built based on private interest.
• Industrial development did not take place in these territories, and territorial frontiers were not clearly marked, which would bring later conflicts.

Society was divided between a foreign dominating minority that controlled the government and lived in luxurious villas, and the native majority that lived apart. The native cultures were marginalized, and western culture... Continue reading "Consequences of Colonialism: Devastation and Conflict" »

1. Causes of Colonialism

A) Political and Strategic

• Colonies were symbols of prestige.
• Control of strategic areas for security and trade.

B) Demographic

• Colonies absorbed excess European population to mitigate social conflicts and unemployment.

C) Economic

• Demand for raw materials for industry.
• Need for new markets for industrial products.
• Capitalism stimulated investment in other territories.

D) Geographical and Technical

• Scientific expeditions explored unknown areas to discover new plants, animals, and minerals.
• New means of transport facilitated exploration.

E) Cultural and Ideological

• The belief in the supremacy of white people and their duty to "civilize" inferior peoples.
• Nationalism drove the desire for large nations to rule over less "civilized" people.

Single-Crop (Monoculture)

Monoculture, or single-crop farming, is an agricultural system that consists of growing just a single plant species in a field for many years.

Multiple-Crop (Polyculture)

Polyculture, or multiple-crop farming, involves cultivating more than one plant species in the same field.

Agriculture with Irrigation

Irrigated agriculture involves the artificial application of water to the land or soil.

Agriculture without Irrigation

Rainfed agriculture is a system based on the natural use of water, primarily rainfall.

Intensive Farming

Common in the Atlantic regions, intensive farming involves the use of pesticides and new technologies to maximize land productivity.

Extensive Farming

Extensive farming involves cultivating a large area of... Continue reading "Farming Systems and Agricultural Practices" »

The Old Regime (15th-18th Centuries)

The Old Regime, or *Ancien Régime*, refers to the period before the French Revolution. It was characterized by a stratified society, an agricultural economy, and, primarily, absolute monarchy.

Population Dynamics

• High birth and death rates.
• Slow population growth.
• Frequent demographic crises (wars, epidemics, crop failures).
• Life expectancy around 40 years.
• Predominantly rural population.

A Stratified Society

Society was divided into rigid social groups:

• Privileged: Nobility and Clergy.
• Non-privileged: The Third Estate (everyone else).

Nobility

• Status by inheritance.
• Extensive land holdings.
• Tax exemptions.
• Special courts and legal treatment.
• Held high political positions.
• Internal hierarchy: High Nobility (e.g., Dukes,

The Strengthening of the Monarchy

Fourth Republic of Nigeria: The current Republican regime instituted in Nigeria that was established in 1999 by Abubakr

Obasanjo: Nigerian President (not currently) who was the first President of the Fourth Republic of Nigeria and brought democratic rule back to the state.Southern Christian.Helped overthrow Mohammed and created the Second Republic as well.

Yar‘Adua: President from 2007-10, Northern Muslim, His election and inauguration marked the first time that there was a peaceful transfer of power between elected officials in the history of Nigeria

Goodluck Jonathan:Southern Christian, Took over as President after Yar’Adua died in office, His ascension to President upset a lot of Northern Muslims, as they thought they would receive the