IB Geography 4.3 Human and Physical Influences on Global Interactions Key Definitions

Accessibility refers to how easily people can reach and use a facility.

A customs union removes internal trade barriers and applies a common external tariff to non-members.

The digital divide is unequal access to and effective use of digital networks and technologies between people or places.

A free trade area removes tariffs and other barriers between member countries while each member keeps its own external trade policy.

A free trade zone is a designated area within a country where goods receive special customs or tax treatment.

Multidimensional, complex set of processes in which communities (as well as societies) and places (as well as entire countries) may adopt, adapt or resist goods, services and cultural traits from other communities and places.

A multifaceted process, involving economic, political, social, and cultural integration leading to increasing interdependence of places.

Intermodal transport moves goods in the same loading unit, such as a container, across two or more transport modes.

A landlocked developing country is a developing country without direct access to the sea, so its overseas trade must pass through neighbouring states.

Migration is the movement of people from place of origin to place of destination that involves changing place of residence.

Migration can be domestic or international, voluntary or forced, legal or illegal, permanent or temporary.

Other forms of spatial mobility include commuting (regular travel of individuals between their home and place of work or study) and tourism (traveling to places different from one's usual environment for leisure and recreation).

A multi-governmental organization is created by governments to coordinate decisions or action across countries.

Natural resource endowment is the quantity and variety of usable natural resources found in a place.

Funds sent by individuals, typically migrants or expatriates, to their families or communities in their home country.

The resource curse is the tendency for some resource-rich countries to experience weaker development or governance because their economies and politics become dependent on resource revenues.

Situation refers to the location of a place relative to other areas and the broader context and relationships that influence its development.

Time-space convergence is the reduction in the time or cost needed to connect places because of improvements in transport and communication.