The 5 Themes of
World Geography
#5: Regions
A Region is an area
defined by common
characteristics.
Physical & Human
Physical: shared
–climate
–vegetation
–landforms
–bodies of water
–relative location
Human: shared

culture
–history
-language
–religion
-economy
–social structure
Regions are places that have
more common characteristics
than differences.
When we study the world
we look at it in regions.
Oceania
What are Oceania’s
Common Characteristics?

Islands
– Volcanic
– Coral Reefs

People
– Polynesians

Climate
– Tropical
Northern
Africa & the
Middle East
What are the shared
Characteristics of Northern
Africa & the Middle East?
Desert
 Islam
 Oil

Why do we study Europe
as two parts--west & east?
Same Continent-Different Pasts

Western Europe
– Democratic
– Capitalism
– Prosperous
What does the future hold
now that Communism has
collapsed in Eastern
Europe?

Eastern Europe
– used to be
Communist
– experiencing
political &
economic change
– Not as
Prosperous
Russia--Europe & Asia
What is Latin America?
What are the common
characteristics of Latin
America?
Language
 History
 Ethnic Groups
 Vegetation

East Asia
&
Southeast
Asia
What are the common
characteristics of East Asia?
Art & Music
 Religion
 Technology
 History

How has Southeast Asia
been influenced by East &
South Asia?
Conquest
 Trade
 Religion

Southern Asia
What are the shared
characteristics of
Southern Asia?

Physical Extremes
– Himalayas
– Flooded River
Deltas

Religion
– Hinduism & Islam
Africa
What are the common
characteristics of Africa?



Landforms
Animals
Social Structure
– Masai


Art & Music
Problems
A Region is an area
defined by common
characteristics.
Physical & Human