A region is an area of land that has common features. A region can be defined by natural or artificial features. Language, government, or religion can define a region, as can forests, wildlife, or climate. Geographers also use regions to study prehistoric environments that no longer exist.

Regional geography is a branch of geography that studies the world’s regions. A region itself is defined as a part of the Earth’s surface with one or many similar characteristics that make it unique from other areas. In addition, regional geography also studies the specific boundaries between places.

Different authors define the region as a natural, human, historical, cultural, as well as economic reality. The notion of the region is multifaceted because the region makes a complex interconnection between different geographical, economic, cultural, political and other factors.

Vernacular region Vernacular regions reflect a “sense of place,” but rarely coincide with established jurisdictional borders. Examples of vernacular regions in the United States include Tidewater, also known as Hampton Roads, Siouxland, and the Tri-City area of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, Illinois.

The Middle East is a perceptual region, not a formal region.

The Middle East is a geographical region that has been of great importance in history since ancient times. Strategically located, it is a natural land bridge connecting the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. An earlier term, the Near East, was at one time in common use.

Teaching about the Middle East should be an opportunity to introduce students to new cultures and ideas, share information about the rich histories and diverse peoples of the region, and ultimately promote understanding, tolerance, and peace.