1. The Traditionalist: This geographer might stick to the classic, broad, and often politically-based regions:
* North America: USA, Canada, Mexico (sometimes includes Greenland)
* South America: All countries in the continent
* Europe: Western, Eastern, and Northern Europe
* Africa: All countries in the continent
* Asia: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East
* Australia/Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of Oceania
2. The Cultural Geographer: This person might focus on cultural similarities and differences:
* Anglo-America: The USA, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean influenced by English culture
* Latin America: Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions with shared cultural heritage
* Western Europe: Countries with a shared history of Western Christianity, democracy, and similar societal structures
* East Asia: Countries with Confucian and Buddhist influences, similar family structures, and a shared history of centralized empires
* Sub-Saharan Africa: Diverse cultures, but with a common history of colonialism and strong influence from traditional beliefs
3. The Physical Geographer: This geographer would likely use physical features to define regions:
* The Americas: Both continents combined due to their shared history and geography
* Eurasia: Europe and Asia combined as one large landmass, emphasizing the close interaction between these continents
* Australasia: Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing their island nature and unique flora and fauna
* The Arctic: A circumpolar region, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, defined by its climate and unique ecosystems
* The Mediterranean: A region defined by its climate, vegetation, and its connection to the Mediterranean Sea
4. The Development Geographer: This perspective might use economic or social indicators to define regions:
* The Global North: High-income, developed countries with high living standards
* The Global South: Low-income, developing countries with varying levels of development
* Emerging Markets: Countries undergoing rapid economic growth and development, like China, India, Brazil
* Least Developed Countries: Countries with the lowest levels of economic and social development
5. The "It Depends" Geographer: This geographer would argue that there's no one "right" way to define regions and it depends on the specific question being asked. They might even propose more specific, smaller regions based on specific factors like:
* The Mekong Delta: A specific region in Southeast Asia defined by its geography and cultural history
* The Sahel: A region in Africa defined by its climate and environmental challenges
* The Amazon Rainforest: A region defined by its unique ecosystem and the people who live there
Key Takeaways:
* Defining world regions is a complex process with no single right answer.
* Different geographers use different criteria, leading to diverse perspectives.
* The most appropriate definition of a region depends on the specific question being asked.
Instead of expecting one answer, the most fruitful approach is to recognize the diverse ways geographers conceptualize the world.