Geography of the Non-Western World: GEO 105 Recitation

Lab #3 Nation State Societies Week of 4/17/00

Name:___________________________________ Recitation #:_______ Group #:______

Objective: To understand how nations and nation-states are determined, and to understand the roles that centripetal and centrifugal forces play in shaping a country.

Procedure: For this lab, assume that there is a "Nation-State Society" (NSS). This fictitious union was formed years ago by countries which have been recognized by other societies as nation- states. Countries in this union enjoy numerous economic and social benefits. Every year, the union opens its doors for one more country, and this year there are five candidates (a different country for each group in the class.)

Imagine that your group has been contracted by the government of your country to make a case for admittance into the NSS. Between your textbook and the material provided to you during recitation period, you should be able to determine the main centripetal and centrifugal forces at work in your assigned country.

Your country:____________________

Define and contrast the following terms:

nation

state

nation-state

centripetal forces

centrifugal forces

The following factors are commonly taken into account when determining whether a country is a nation-state. Present data on each of them with respect to your assigned country, and indicate whether they are a centripetal or a centrifugal force:

FACTOR DATA CENTRIPETAL/CENTRIFUGAL?

languages

ethnicities

religions

income levels

history

culture

political

institutions

Briefly discuss whether you think your assigned country should be admitted to the NSS. Mention your findings on least three of the above factors when presenting your decision (you may either downplay centrifugal forces or highlight centripetal forces within your country.)

This worksheet is due at the end of the recitation period.