The country's position in relation to neighboring countries is often called the economic and geographical position. This is a rather complex and multifaceted category. It will be discussed in this article. What are the characteristics of the economic and geographical position of the leading states of Eurasia - Japan, Britain, France? And how beneficial is it?
The position of the country in relation to neighboring countries
The countries of our planet are significantly different from each other. And not just by size, population or cultural background. There are other factors that largely determine the welfare of the state. So, some countries have extensive access to the ocean, while others are closed within the mainland. Some states are located at the intersection of important transcontinental transport routes, which gives them huge benefits in the form of profit from the transit of goods by other entities of the world economy. All these factors can be attributed to the concept considered in this article.
So, the position of the country in relation to neighboring countries is called the economic and geographical position of the state (abbreviated as EGP). However, this is a very narrow interpretation of the concept. EGP is a very complex and multifaceted geographical category. In a broad sense, EGP is the position of a country (as well as a city or region) in relation to those geographical objects that may have an impact (positive or negative) on its economic development.
EGP can be central, peripheral, deep or marginal. It can be assessed at the global or regional level.
When characterizing the EGP of a particular state, many factors should be taken into account. It:
- availability of access to the sea (oceans);
- number of neighboring countries;
- sales opportunities for their products;
- the presence of large fuel and raw material bases;
- position regarding important transport routes, etc.
Interestingly, some countries have successfully exploited the benefits of their geographical location. Other states have not yet learned this art. Soviet geographer Nikolai Baransky was the first to seriously engage in the theoretical aspects of the concept of EGP.
The situation in relation to neighboring countries is often also called the geopolitical position. However, in this case we are talking exclusively about political factors, the nature of relations between a particular state and its neighbors, and the like.
EGP characteristic of France
France is one of the largest countries in Europe. Corsica belongs to it, as well as a number of small islands in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, France owns overseas departments and territories almost all over the world.
The position of France in relation to neighboring countries can be described as advantageous. It borders on eight states. France maintains good neighborly and close relations with each of them.
The country is located in Western Europe and has access to the Mediterranean Sea in the south and to the Atlantic in the west and northwest. The coastline within the state is cut up by numerous bays, convenient for calling large international vessels.
EGP characteristic of Japan
Japan is an archipelago country in East Asia, which consists of six thousand islands of various sizes. In the east, the territory of the state is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the west - by the waters of the three seas that separate it from the "Great Land".
The position of Japan in relation to neighboring countries as a whole can be considered favorable. Due to the location at the junction of the largest mainland and the largest ocean of the planet, the country has received many opportunities for establishing international contacts and marketing its products.
Japan is frankly unlucky with its natural resources and terrain. About 80% of its territory is not suitable for the development of the economy and the construction of residential buildings (due to mountain landscapes). In addition, the country has virtually no mineral resources.
UK EGP Assessment
The geographical position of the UK is largely reminiscent of the EGP of Japan. This country is also located on a group of islands, but not on the eastern, but on the western outskirts of Eurasia.
Great Britain is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and two seas - the Northern and Irish. It is separated from the mainland by the 35-km English Channel. It has a common land border with only one country - Ireland.
Due to its geographical position, England received the unofficial status of the “Sea Queen of Europe” several centuries ago. The relief and climatic conditions also contribute to the development of the country's economy.
Conclusion
The term EGP is understood as the position of a country in relation to neighboring countries. It can be central, deep or marginal, profitable or disadvantageous. In addition, not all states make effective use of their geographical location.