|
Correct Answer: south africa
in political geography, various terms are used to describe the peculiar shapes, positions, and qualities of countries around the world. one such term is "perforated state." a perforated state refers to a country that completely encircles another country, creating a situation where the encircled nation is dependent on the perforating state for access to the outside world.
south africa is a classic example of a perforated state because it entirely surrounds the nation of lesotho. lesotho is a sovereign country but is only accessible via south africa. this geographical setup directly impacts lesotho's political, economic, and social interactions with the rest of the world, as it must pass through south african territory for international trade, travel, and diplomacy.
the situation of south africa and lesotho showcases the concept of a perforated state vividly. unlike other geopolitical configurations such as fragmented states (like indonesia, which consists of multiple islands) or elongated states (such as chile, which stretches along the coast), a perforated state involves a unique spatial dependence and interaction. other examples of perforated states are rare but can include italy, which surrounds vatican city and san marino.
understanding the concept of perforated states is crucial in the study of political geography as it affects issues like national sovereignty, economic control, and regional security. for lesotho, being a landlocked state entirely within south africa poses unique challenges and opportunities in its domestic and international policies.
|
