Question

What are formal regions?

1) Regions defined by physical characteristics
2) Regions defined by cultural characteristics
3) Regions defined by political boundaries
4) Regions defined by economic factors

Answer 1

Formal regions are defined by clear and undisputed political, administrative, or governmental boundaries, such as those that separate countries, states, or provinces.

Step-by-step explanation:

Formal regions are areas that are defined by official boundaries and governance structures, such as political, administrative, or governmental boundaries.

These regions can include countries, states, provinces, or cities, where the boundaries are recognized and not open to dispute. For instance, the United States and Canada are distinguished by their well-defined international boundary, which includes natural features like the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Within these formal regions, both physical characteristics and human factors, like climate, language, and trade networks, can coexist and be encompassed by the formal boundaries.

An example of a physical region within formal boundaries is the Rocky Mountains. One must note that formal regions are just one type of region, alongside functional and perceptual regions, each with their unique defining features.