Why is Geography So Important

Geography is the study of the Earth, its landforms, features and inhabitants. It seems to lose its importance in this new era of globalization. Recent surveys have brought about disturbing results about the level of knowledge about geography, kids around the world have. It is surprising to know that the children of the modern times, do not find it important to study geography. But, it is important to understand why geography is important.

Why is Geography So Important?

Geography consists of the study of our planet, its climatic conditions, the various land forms on the planet and the different natural occurrences. It encompasses a wide knowledge base. It includes the spatial analysis of human and natural phenomena, the exploration of earth sciences and the relationship between nature and human life. The study of geography includes the analysis of social, economic and environmental processes that affect nature. Don’t you think it is important to know all about this indepth? Don’t you feel the need to have knowledge of our Earth? If you feel the need to, you have a reason to say that geography is important.

The geography of a region affects the living of its inhabitants. The geographical conditions of a region influence its culture. They have a deep impact on the social and cultural norms of the people. They influence the culture and civilization of the region. The geography of a region has a direct effect on the art forms, the literature, the food habits and the celebrations of the people that inhabit it. This makes it important to study geography. You can catch a glimpse of world culture and heritage by browsing through different cultures of the world.

If you find it boring to learn about the natural resources and climate, you must understand that it is these resources in nature that let us live. The climatic conditions in different regions of the world support the plant and animal life of that region. The climatic conditions and the availability of natural resources in a particular region shape the life of its inhabitants. Geography influences the distribution of natural and man-made resources across the globe.

The natural wealth of a region owes its existence to the region’s geographical conditions. The geographical location of a region influences its climate, which in turn influences the life forms that can thrive in that region. Why does oil come from Saudi Arabia? Why are China and India the largest producers of rice? Why do camels populate the African terrains and polar bears inhabit the Arctic? Why does the deciduous forest biome inhabit parts of America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia? Why are rainforests found in the equatorial regions? It is all because of the diverse geographical conditions around the world.

Moreover, studying geography helps us appreciate the diversity in the life forms on Earth. It exposes us to the various ecology issues and environmental science and technology concerns. It helps us understand how nature influences life. It lets us know how cultures take shape. It enables us to know how civilizations are born. It helps us understand the interaction between the natural components and human beings. The study of geography gives us an opportunity to observe and analyze the close association between the natural environment and human life.