what is geography and why is it important?

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In the broadest sense, geography is the study of the world in which we live. More specifically, it is the study and representation of spatial characteristics and patterns of phenomena related to the Earth.

In defining geography, Charles Gritzner notes that “All geographic inquiry should begin with the question, ‘Where'?’” He argues that, in considering “major Earth-bound events, features, and conditions”, geographers also investigate why these events are where they are, or happen where they happen. And, because these events, features, and conditions “can and often do have some impact on our lives”, geographers consider why they are important to us. Gritzner has condensed these ideas into a short but meaningful phrase: “What is where, why there, and why care?”.

Geography is important because it is a subject that opens the door to our dynamic world and prepares each one of us for the role of global citizen in the 21st century. Through studying geography, people of all ages begin to appreciate how places and landscapes are formed, how people and environments interact, what consequences arise from our everyday decisions, and the diverse range of cultures and societies that exist and interconnect. Geography is a subject which builds on young people’s own experiences, helping them to formulate questions, develop their intellectual skills and find answers to issues affecting their lives. It introduces them to distinctive investigative tools such as maps, fieldwork and the use of powerful digital communication technologies. It opens their eyes to the beauty and wonder around them and acts as a source of inspiration and creativity. More than this, it ensures that they appreciate the complexity of attitudes and values which shape the way we use and misuse the environment. Through geography, people learn to value and care for the planet and all its inhabitants.

Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognizing the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.

Geography provides an ideal framework for relating other fields of knowledge. It is not surprising that those trained as geographers often contribute substantially to the applied management of resources and environments.

Geography bridges the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography). As such, there are three main branches of geography: