GEOGRAPHY

Geography is the study of the earth surface, its topography, climate and physical conditions and how
these factors affect people and society.
The Greek scholar Eratosthenes is credited with the first use of the word geography in the third
century B.C.E. He is also known as the “father of geography” for his geographical writing and
accomplishments, including the measurement of the circumference of the Earth.
The history of geography includes many histories of geography which have differed over time
and between different cultural and political groups. In more recent developments, geography
has become a distinct academic discipline. 'Geography' derives from
the Greek word geographia, a literal translation of which would be "to describe or write about the
Earth".

Geography is divided into two main branches:

Physical Geography - dealing of landforms and climate. Knowing about the physical geography
of Earth is important for every serious student studying the planet because the natural
processes of Earth affect the distribution of resources (from carbon dioxide in the air to
freshwater on the surface to minerals deep underground) and the conditions of the human
settlement.
Human Geography – dealing of the distribution and activities of people on earth. Globalization
is also becoming increasingly important to the field of human geography as it is allowing
these specific aspects of culture to easily travel across the globe. Cultural landscapes are
also important because they link culture to the physical environments in which people live.

Importance of Geography to History

To understand the geography of past times and how geography has played important roles in the
evolution of people, their ideas, places and environments. To develop a mental map of your
community, province or territory, country and the world so that you can understand the “where” of
places and events.

Fun Fact:
Without Geography, you are nowhere.