Key Concepts in Geography, Geopolitics, and the European Union
Geography
Scale
The relationship between map dimensions and real-world dimensions. For example, 1:100,000 means one inch on the map represents one kilometer in reality. Larger scales represent larger areas. Topographic maps often use a scale of 1:50,000.
Latitude
The angular distance between a point on Earth and the Equator, measured in degrees (0-90) north or south. It’s determined using parallels (imaginary lines parallel to the Equator).
Longitude
The angle between a meridian plane and the prime meridian (Greenwich). It’s measured in degrees (0-180) east or west of Greenwich.
Meridian
Imaginary circles perpendicular to the Equator, passing through the poles. Solar time varies across meridians. The Greenwich Meridian is the reference meridian.
Parallel
Circles with decreasing radii as they approach the poles. Key parallels include the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, at 23°27′ north and south of the Equator, respectively. The Iberian Peninsula lies between latitudes 43°36′ north.
Geopolitics and Economics
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A computer system for managing geographically referenced data. It uses layers to represent various aspects of the Earth’s surface.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness of the world through the capitalist system, encompassing economic activity, politics, social relations, culture, and environmental issues.
G8
A group of the world’s richest countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Russia) whose leaders meet annually to discuss global economic progress.
Anti-Globalization Movement
Diverse organizations critical of globalization’s negative consequences, such as cultural identity loss and environmental damage. They advocate for alternative approaches.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The international organization regulating global trade. Its agreements aim to facilitate trade for producers, exporters, and importers.
European Economic Community (EEC)
Created by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, it promoted free movement of people, goods, services, and capital among member states. It also aimed to coordinate economic and social policies.
European Union
Convergence Criteria
Established by the Maastricht Treaty (1992) to promote economic and social cohesion within the EU. A cohesion fund supports less developed regions.
Rural Development
Economic growth and structural change aimed at improving rural living conditions. It encompasses economic, sociocultural, and political-administrative dimensions, focusing on job creation, wealth generation, and environmental sustainability.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
An EU structural fund supporting poorer regions through investments in infrastructure and small businesses.
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)
An EU structural fund with two sections: Guidance (modernizing agriculture and rural development) and Guarantee (stabilizing agricultural markets).
LEADER
A European project supporting rural areas affected by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It funds innovative solutions and promotes rural development through technology adoption.
Common Market Organization (CMO)
Sets price ranges for key products within the EU’s internal market.
Maastricht Treaty (1992)
A key step in European integration, amending previous treaties and establishing the European Union with a political dimension.
Treaty of Nice (2000)
Amended existing EU treaties and entered into force in 2002.
Treaty of Rome (1957)
Established the European Economic Community and its objectives. It remained in force until the Maastricht Treaty.
European Union
An international organization promoting political and economic integration among its member states. It was established in 1993 with the Treaty on European Union.