Fundamentally, just as it is necessary to know the alphabet for reading, or multiplication tables for arithmetic, it is also necessary to learn geography to know where places are, and also some facts about those places so you can tell why they are different.
Geography, History, and Civics are seldom taught in classrooms today, which is a major concern considering the increasing focus on globalization and the world economy.
Future leaders who are oblivious of geographical knowledge will have a hard time analysing world events and making rational decisions, let alone understanding basic physical systems of everyday life, like implications of the solar system on climate, water cycles, ocean currents, etc.
Geography Helps You Understand Your Own Country
Studying geography gives you knowledge about different places on earth and how they relate with each other. Usually, you start by learning about your home community, region, country, continent, and so on as you gain more experience.
When it comes to your country, you can expect to learn about:
- Citizenship
Geography knowledge makes you become a better citizen. Learning geography allows you to identify and appreciate important events and national and international policies; make better and informed decisions regarding the best use of national resources; and ask relevant questions about policies that optimize the landscape and land use. A more informed citizen makes for a better leader.
- Economics
There is a close relation between economics and geography with regard to the level of industrialization or energy production; transportation networks and the applications of technology; the location of natural resources; and many other factors that influence trade patterns and the economy of the country and region.
- History
Learning geography allows you to identify and appreciate important clues of your nation’s history, including the influence of landforms and climate on land use, the rise and fall of civilizations, and migration patterns, among other things. Knowing the history of the landscape helps you understand the transformation processes that have taken place.
- The Environment
Geography also covers the relationship between human beings and the environment, and how natural systems work. Geographers conduct research to identify the role of environmental factors on population behaviour, and ways in which social processes such as population growth and technological advances affect the environment. These matters are critical for formulating environmental policies for global conservation.
Geography Helps You Understand The World
Geography also gives you the tools to gain an understanding of international matters, multicultural concerns, and environmental matters. You learn to read maps, interpret local and global information, and understand international networks for trade and other things.
All this information allows you to integrate multiple concepts from humanities, social science, and science, and apply critical thinking to dealing with current issues at the local, national, and international level. But it starts with allocating some hours or days per week for the study of different geographical aspects in the education system.