Boundaries

Subsequent Boundaries

Boundaries created after a population has established itself in an area.

Cultural Boundaries

Boundaries created with respect to the specific cultural or ethno-national makeup of a region.

Antecedent Boundaries

Boundaries that existed before humans settled an area, usually the result of natural, physical barriers.

Physical Boundaries

Boundaries that follow important physical features in the natural landscape, such as rivers or mountains.

Geometric Boundaries

Boundaries that follow more-or-less straight lines and do not respect physical features.

Relic Boundaries

Boundaries that no longer serve a function, but serve as reminders of one-time divisions on the landscape.

Frontier Boundary Ex.

By international treaty, no single state can control or claim land in Antarctica.

Superimposed Boundaries Ex.

Following the Conference of Berlin (1884), European powers drew boundaries on the African continent without regard for existing ethno-national realities.

Superimposed Boundaries

Forcibly drawn on an area without respect to existing boundaries.

Relic Boundary Ex.

Hadrian's Wall was built across northern England as a Roman outpost and defense against Celtic tribes in Scotland.

Frontier Boundaries

Region where interstate boundaries are very thinly or weakly developed; territoriality is unclear.

Antecedent Boundary Ex.

The Himalayan Mountains served as a natural boundary between North and South Asia, leading to the development of vastly different cultures in those areas.

Physical Boundary Ex.

The Rio Grande forms much of the border between the US and Mexico

Geometric Boundary Ex.

The border of North and South Korea follows the 38th parallel (38 N Latitude).

Subsequent Boundary Ex.

The border of the US and Canada was drawn following the settlement of the Great Plains and a number of negotiations between those two states.

Cultural Boundary Ex.

The states that succeeded the former Yugoslavia are drawn largely around national homelands.