World Geography Final Exam Review

Key Topics and Questions

Conflict and Geography

• Nicaragua Conflict: Ongoing issues due to uneven land distribution for farming, government sides with poor farmers.
• Southeast Asia Influences: Least impact from China, except in North Vietnam.
• Nomadic Life: Example of Tuareg people, practicing unique Islam.
• Soviet Economic Restructuring: Introduction of perestroika to shift from command economy to private ownership.
• Songhai Empire: Tombouctou as a trade and intellectual hub.

Geography and Climate

• North Korea's Climate: Influenced by its location near continental climate regions of Asia.
• China's Communist Takeover (1949): Success due to support from peasant class and leadership of Chairman Mao.
• Hinterland of Chicago: Encompasses the United States, highlighting its agricultural market influence.
• Netherlands' Trade Access: Largest inland waterway in Europe connects it to the world.

Cultural and Environmental Factors

• China's Language: Unified written language despite dialect differences.
• Arabian Peninsula Wealth: Investment in desalination plants to address water scarcity.
• Japan's Archipelago Formation: Due to tectonic collisions in a subduction zone.
• Pollution Solutions in Japan: Effective recycling and waste management programs.

Social and Economic Aspects

• Slovakia's Independence: Split from the Czech Republic in 1993.
• Brazil's Rural Economy: Predominantly subsistence farming due to land ownership by few wealthy families.
• Czech Privatization Effects: Reduced unemployment through privatization.
• Iron and Steel in Soviet Union: Emphasis on heavy industry led to scarcity of everyday items.

Political and Historical Events

• Afghanistan as a Buffer State: Historically separated political enemies Russia and Britain.
• Irish Potato Famine (1840s): Blight led to population decline.
• Partition of India (1947): Resulted in Hindu Republic of India and Muslim Pakistan.
• Gandhi and the Spinning Wheel: Symbol of nonviolent resistance.
• South Korea's Industrialization: Aided by the U.S. and Japan post-1953.

Urbanization and Industrial Impact

• Brazilian Urbanization: Movement to cities driven by economic prospects.
• Venice's Industrial Limitations: Pollution and geological issues limit industrial expansion.

Natural Resources and Environmental Challenges

• Venezuela's Wealth: Predominantly from petroleum.
• Aral Sea Shrinkage: Caused by irrigation diverting water.
• Natural Resources in Siberia: Presence of coal as primary resource.

Diverse Cultural Landscapes

• Maori in New Zealand: Not of European descent, have their own political party.
• Ethnic Identity in Poland: Homogeneity due to historical events during WWII.

Strategic and Economic Locations

• Baltic Nations' Strategic Value: Access to ports on the Baltic Sea.
• Yemen's Capital Distinctions: Sanaa is political, Aden is economic due to strategic location.

Global and Regional Challenges

• Economic Challenges in Africa: Weak economies post-independence hinder growth.
• Central America's Climate Differences: Varied between Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

This review offers a comprehensive understanding of the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects that influence global regions, preparing students for the World Geography Final Exam.