region

A region is a broad geographic area defined by common features, whether physical, cultural, economic, or administrative. Boundaries are often approximate and may be based on natural features such as rivers or mountains, political borders, or social constructs. Regions vary in size and scale and can be continuous or fragmented, homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Geographic regions group areas by natural characteristics such as climate, vegetation, or biogeography (for example, tundra regions, desert regions, or river basins). Administrative regions are constructed for governance and public administration, including states, provinces, or prefectures. In some countries, regions have formal constitutional status and wide competences; in others, they function mainly as planning or statistical units.

Economic or functional regions are defined by patterns of interaction, such as commuting zones, service catchment areas, or metropolitan regions. Cultural or historical regions are identified by shared language, heritage, or identity, and may cut across administrative boundaries. Statistical regions are used for data collection and analysis by governments and international organizations; examples include the European Union’s NUTS regions and the United States Census Regions.

Characteristics of regions include varying boundaries, degrees of internal diversity, and the degree to which boundaries reflect reality or convenience. Regions are central to planning, development policy, environmental management, and regional identity, shaping how resources are distributed and how people understand their place within a larger landscape.