The geography of countries

Geography is the study of the Earth's surface and the people, places and environments upon it. When applied to countries, it describes how each nation is shaped by its physical setting and how its inhabitants organise their lives within it. The world is divided into around two hundred countries, varying enormously in size, population, landscape and wealth — from vast states spanning several climate zones to small island nations.

Studying a country geographically means examining several connected aspects. Its physical geography includes location, terrain, climate and natural features such as mountains, rivers, oceans and coastlines; some territories border great waters or stretch across whole regions of a continent. Human geography covers the population: how many people live there, where they are concentrated, and their languages and cultures. Political geography records the system of government, the capital, the borders with neighbouring states, and national symbols such as the flag. Reference tools bring these together, with maps and atlases showing spatial relationships and gazetteers and factbooks listing comparable figures.

Because the world's countries differ so widely, comparing them — their areas, populations, capitals and economies — is a central activity in geography education. Such comparisons help reveal patterns, for instance how climate and terrain influence where people settle, or how location shapes a nation's trade and relationships with its neighbours.

Frequently asked questions

What does the geography of a country describe?

It covers physical features such as terrain and climate, human aspects such as population and culture, and political details such as government, capital and borders.

How many countries are there in the world?

There are roughly two hundred sovereign states, though the exact count varies depending on which territories are recognised as independent.

Why do geographers compare countries?

Comparing figures such as area, population and economy reveals patterns, such as how landscape and location influence where and how people live.