What Is Geography?

By Matt Rosenberg, About.com Guide to Geography

A exhaustive resource on the discipline of geography. Learn all about geography, its branches, and how to study geography and excel in becoming a geographer.

1. Geography 101
2. Lists and Superlatives
3. Geographic Education
4. Becoming a Geographer
5. Geography Games and Quizzes
6. Country Information

7. Population Geography
8. Historical Geography and Exploration
9. Time and Time Zones
10. Places of Interest
11. Additional Resources

Geography 101

Overviews of the discipline of geography and its various branches.

• Geography 101: An Overview of Geography
• Earth Facts: Essential Facts You Need to Know About The Planet Earth
• All About Geography

• Physical Geography Overview
• Definitions of Geography
• James Michener on the Importance of Geography

Lists and Superlatives

A collection of resources that rank things on our planet - cities, countries, building, continents, and more.

• Largest Urban Agglomerations on Earth
• Most Populous Countries
• Most Populous Countries in 2050
• Tallest Buildings in the World
• Largest Continents in Area and Population
• Largest Countries in Area
• Tallest Mountains on Earth
• Lowest Points on Land
• Deepest Ocean Depths

• Most Popular World Religions
• Most Popular World Languages
• Smallest Countries in the World
• U.S. State Population
• Largest Cities in the United States
• Largest Cities Through History
• Six or Seven Continents on Earth?
• Additional Lists and Statistics

Geographic Education

Whether you're studying for the National Geographic Bee, AP Geography, A-Levels, an undergraduate degree, a Ph.D., or just want to know more about geography, this is the place to do it. Also discover resources for teaching geography in school.

• Geographic Illiteracy Slowly Fading
• The 18 Standards for Geographic Education
• Typical Requirements for a Degree in Geography
• The Four Traditions of Geography
• Preparing for the National Geographic Bee
• Advanced Placement Human Geography

• Geography Awareness Week
• Five Themes of Geography
• Geographic Organizations
• Top 10 Reasons to Study Geography (Humor)
• Additional Geographic Education Resources

Becoming a Geographer

If you're considering a geography degree or are already a geography major, you're probably wondering what you'll do after school. Here are some resources for exploring your career options.

• Jobs in Geography
• Geography Internships
• Geographers in Emergency Management
• How To Find a Graduate Program in Geography
• Additional Geography Career Resources

Geography Games and Quizzes

Test your knowledge of geography and learn more about geography through various online geography games and quizzes.

• Geography Quiz: Over Ten Years of Multiple-Choice Geography Quizzes
• Additional Geography Quizzes and Games

Country Information

Online resources and information about the countries of the world.

• Capitals of Every Country
• Flags of the Countries of the World
• Geography and Maps of the Countries of the World

• Official Listing of Countries by Region
• Number of Countries in the World
• Newest Countries of the World

Population Geography

The branch of population geography explores demographic information about the world, countries, and smaller regions to determine population growth rates and future population estimates.

• World Population
• If The World Were a Village of 100 People
• U.S. Population
• China Population
• China's One Child Law
• Life Expectancy
• Population Growth and Growth Rates
• Negative Population Growth

• Demographic Transtion
• Age-Sex Pyramids
• Population Density
• Crude Birth Rate and Crude Death Rate
• Population Decline in Russia
• Baby Boom
• Thomas Malthus on Population

Historical Geography and Exploration

The development of geography and the exploration of the world are essential components to understanding our planet today. Explore the past with these delightful resources.

• Timeline of Geographic History
• History of Geography in the United States
• Eratosthenes: The Father of Geography
• Alexander von Humboldt: The Founder of Modern Geography
• Ptolemy: Roman Geographer

• Marco Polo: World Explorer
• Captain James Cook
• Amerigo Vespucci: The Explorer for Whom America Was Named
• William Morris Davis: The Father of American Geography
• Additional Historical and Exploration Resources

Time and Time Zones

The planet is divided up into 24 time zones but it's just not that simple. Add Daylight Saving Time, the International Date Line, and offset time zones and things are really confusing.

• Daylight Saving Time
• Time Zones
• Offset Time Zones
• International Date Line
• Additional Time and Time Zone Resources

Places of Interest

Explore the world through these articles about fascinating places around the world.

• Seven Wonders of the World
• Mount Everest
• Amazon River and Basin
• Beijing: Olympic Games City
• Panama Canal
• Bermuda Triangle
• Timbuktu
• The Great Wall of China

• Dykes of the Netherlands
• Kaliningrad Exclave
• Nunavut - Canada's Newest Territory
• Tibet
• Mecca
• Antarctica
• Nile River
• Additional Places Around the World

Additional Resources

These essential resources will help you to continue to learn, to explore, and to enjoy the amazing field of geography.

• Geography Glossary
• Geography FAQ
• Photo Galleries