The 5 Basic Shapes of Countries

The 5 Basic Shapes of States

Compact, Protruded, Elongated, Perforated and Fragmented

The Shapes of States

• In political geography, a "state" is the same as a country.

• Geographic characteristics of a state include size, shape, location.

• The 5 basic shapes of states are compact, protruded, elongated, perforated and fragmented.

• The shape of a state can affect communication and conflict.

Compact states

• a state shaped like circle/square

• center is about same distance (equidistant) to the borders

• capital should ideally be in center

• good communication, shortest boundaries to defend

• Kenya and Poland are examples

Prorupted states

• compact with a large extension that projects from it

• proruptions (extensions) created for two reasons: access to natural resource, separate two states that would otherwise share a border

• also called a protruded state

• Namibia/Thailand are examples

Elongated states

• states with long, narrow shape

• may suffer from poor internal communication/transportation

• region at one end may be isolated

• capital may lose influence over the isolated end

• Chile and Vietnam and examples

Perforated states

• a state that completely surrounds another state

• relationship between perforated state and the state it surrounds can cause tensions

• South Africa surrounds Lesotho

• Italy surrounds the microstates of San Marino and Vatican City

Fragmented states

• a state that is broken up into multiple pieces that are separated

• can be difficult to maintain unity and good communication

• Indonesia and the Philippines are the most extreme examples

Landlocked states

• location also impacts a country

• landlocked countries have no access to the sea (no coastline)

• this makes overseas trade difficult, so most landlocked states are developing countries

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Africa. Which number correctly identifies a country that is landlocked?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies a country that is NOT compact?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

What would be the best title for this map?

• Compact States in Africa

• Landlocked States in Africa

• Elongated States in Africa

• Prorupted States in Africa

Multiple Choice

Which shape is this country?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

Multiple Choice

Which shape is this country?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. Which shape is NOT represented by one of the countries in Southeast Asia?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

• fragmented

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• fragmented

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• fragmented

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• fragmented

Multiple Choice

Which shape is the country highlighted on this map?

• compact

• elongated

• prorupted

• perforated

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. What is the only landlocked nation in Southeast Asia?

• Laos

• Cambodia

• Thailand

• Indonesia

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Central Asia. According to this map, which statement is true?

• They are all compact.

• They are all landlocked.

• They are all elongated.

• They are all prorupted.

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Italy. Which shape is Italy?

• elongated

• perforated

• fragmented

• prorupted

Multiple Select

This is a map of South America. Which countries in South America are landlocked? Check two that apply.

• Ecuador

• Bolivia

• Peru

• Paraguay

• Uruguay

Multiple Choice

This is a map of the United States. What shape is the United States?

• compact

• elongated

• fragmented

• prorupted