Our modern world is characterized by a wide variety of existing countries. And each of them has its own set of unique properties and features. For the convenience of their analysis and comparison, they use such a tool as “a characteristic of the economic and geographical position of a country”. He describes the country according to a certain algorithm, which we will consider further.
Types of economic and geographical location
The economic and geographical situation is potential and present (realized). Any undeveloped place is a potential EGP. Under implemented EGP is meant the historical sequence of how EGP was used in various temporary social and economic conditions.
EGP change
Estimates of the economic and geographical location may change over time with the improvement and development of the world division of labor and non-stop scientific and technological progress. Most affected by transport, binders, construction changes, as well as the search for new deposits. The era of great geographical discoveries, the development of America, the development of railways and vehicles are the catalysts for one of the largest global changes.
Standards for the description of economic and geographical location
One of the ideas on which the use of the plan for characterizing the EGP of a country is based is the desire to show the diversity of cultures and worlds. With modern processes of integration and globalization, it is important to see the difference between the actors.
A typical plan for the characterization of the EGP of a country, region consists of the following items:
- Location relative to neighboring countries.
- Location relative to the main land and sea transport routes.
- Location relative to the main fuel and raw material bases, industrial and agricultural areas.
- Location relative to the main product distribution areas.
- EGP change in time.
- General conclusions about EGP and its impact on the development of the country's economy.
Most viewed countries
In order to track the patterns of economic and political development, to identify the interconnections and interdependencies between the countries of the worlds, as well as to elucidate the patterns of development of society, we will consider the most developed European countries.
Most often, such countries as Germany, France, Italy and Spain as representatives of all parts of Europe become the object of research.
Germany
Consider the first characteristic of the EGP of a country in foreign Europe. According to the plan indicated in one of the previous paragraphs, we get the following situation:
1) Germany has borders with 9 countries: north - Denmark; East - Poland, Czech Republic; southeast - Austria; south - Switzerland; southwest - France, Luxembourg; West - Belgium.
2) Germany is the center of European traffic flows.
3) In Germany, the Ruhr region produces coal and brown coal, a similar place of extraction is located nearby in Poland. Oil fields are far away. Nearby is the extraction of natural gas (North Sea).
4) Intra German production covers 60% of the population’s demand. The most popular products include bakery products, dairy products, eggs, a variety of vegetables and fruits, meat and meat products. Well-developed production of plant products - cereals, cereals, etc. Germany is known as the largest European country- importer of natural foods. 38% of all natural products are German imports.
5) The situation in Germany is very favorable. It is a link between the states of Central and Eastern Europe.
This is how the plan for characterizing the country's EGP looks like. Germany is an important economic and political unit of Europe.
France
This country is a European hope. Many processes taking place in Europe are associated with it. Consider her plan for the characteristics of the EGP of the country. France has its own unique features and characteristics.
1) France can be called the country of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Prerainea and the Pyrenees. Sea borders are longer than land. In the north, France borders the United Kingdom along the English Channel and the Pas de Calais. French land borders go along various natural boundaries, for example, mountains. In the southeast, France borders with Monaco, in the northeast with Luxembourg and Belgium.
2) France has a great natural advantage in the form of a central geographical location, as a result of which it has access to the main West European commercial routes: the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and the Atlantic.
3) France is known for coal mining. The main regions where it is mined are Lorraine and the Central Massif. French imports consist of oil and gas. Gas de France is known as one of the largest gas companies in Europe.
4) France is considered a highly developed country, and is one of the first places in the volume of industrial production. French products such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics, cognacs, cheeses and others are in great demand on world markets. France is also a major agricultural player. Separately, it is worth considering such an industry in French production as winemaking. Each province grows its own grape variety and produces its own wine. In addition to wine, France is known for drinks such as cognac and calvados.
5) At the moment, France is a member of many international organizations, for example, the European Union, the UN, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), NATO and other organizations. EGP strengthens every year. France is trying to derive from it more and more advantages for its development.
6) France has great potential that can be successfully realized through the use of the advantageous sides of its geographical position.
Italy
In Europe there is one more state worthy of considering a plan for characterizing the country's EGP. Italy represents Southern Europe with all its features.
1) Geographically, Italy is a southern European country located on the Apennine Peninsula. It has borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino and the Vatican.
2) Italy has a large number of roads and railways to European countries. The sea port network is developed.
3) In relation to the commodity world points, north of Italy is North Africa, which produces oil and gas, in the northeast - Russia with oil, gas and coal production, in the east - Gulf countries, rich in oil and gas, in the north - Germany and Poland with coal mining.
4) The main sales area for Italy are the countries of the European Trade Area, where it belongs.
5) Over time, the geopolitical factors have the greatest impact and influence on the EGP of Italy.
6) In general terms, Italian EGP can be described as profitable, since it is located in the zone of one of the largest markets (EU) and has access to the sea routes.
Spain
This state represents the southwest of Europe. This is how his plan for characterizing the country's EGP will look like. Spain is currently experiencing its development difficulties, but overall has prospects for further successful development.
1) Spain is located in the southwestern European territory on the Iberian Peninsula. It has borders: in the west - Portugal, north - France and Andorra, from the north and west Spain is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from the south and east - the Mediterranean Sea.
2) Spanish roads are centralized six-lane highways connecting Madrid and the Basque Country, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, Extremadura and Galicia. Freeways also run along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
3) One of the most industrial sectors is mining. Spain is rich in minerals, it is listed as one of the world leaders in the extraction of mercury and pyrite, polymetallic and uranium ores, as well as silver. Oil and gas are classified as imports.
4) For Spain, the markets are Western and Eastern Europe, and also little by little the country enters the Asian and African markets. Exports are mainly finished products in the form of machinery, equipment, fabrics, as well as fruits. The largest turnover was recorded with Switzerland and the United States.
5) EGP of Spain changes over time under the influence of all processes occurring in Europe.
6) Spain has an advantageous position and has prospects for good and sustainable development, which we see on the basis of the above plan of the characteristics of the EGP of the country.
Developed skills
Any task involves the improvement of any skills. The use of such a tool as compiling a description of the state according to the plan for characterizing the EGP of a country allows us to develop the ability to assess the impact of the situation on development.
The history of how the country was settled, the national traits of citizens and labor resources help identify areas that have potential for development. Another skill that is formed when using the plan for characterizing the EGP of a country is the ability to identify and highlight the similarities and differences and their interpretation and application. Forecasting future trends and development prospects is an integral analytical tool.