TOPIC 4: STATE
1. Concept of State and Characteristics
A state is a politically organized territory with sovereignty, a permanent population, a
defined territory, and a functioning government recognized by other states.
Key Characteristics of a State
Population – permanent people living in the territory.
Territory – defined geographical boundaries.
Sovereignty – supreme authority to govern itself without external control.
Government – political and administrative institutions to enforce laws and policies.
Recognition – acceptance by other states and international organizations.
2. State Size, Shape, and Viability
a) Size
Large states → more resources, diverse environments, but harder to govern (e.g.,
Russia).
Small states → easier governance, but vulnerable (e.g., Singapore, Israel).
b) Shape
Compact → nearly circular; efficient administration (e.g., Poland).
Elongated → long and narrow; transport challenges (e.g., Chile).
Fragmented → several discontinuous territories (e.g., Indonesia).
Prorupted (protruded) → compact with an extension (e.g., Thailand).
Perforated → a state completely surrounds another (e.g., South Africa with Lesotho).
c) Viability
Viability refers to the ability of a state to survive and function effectively. Factors:
Economic resources.
Strategic location.
Political stability.
Social cohesion.
Security and defense capacity.
3. Internal Structure of States
Core-Periphery Structure → Strong economic/political core, weaker periphery.
Capital City Influence → Primate cities vs. dispersed cities.
Administrative Divisions → regions (Provinces), counties (districts), sub-counties
(divisions)
Infrastructure → Roads, communication, and resource distribution.
Ethnic and cultural composition → Homogeneous vs. multi-ethnic societies.
4. Factors Influencing the Internal Structure of States
a) Physical factors – mountains, rivers, deserts influencing accessibility.
b) Historical factors – colonization, wars, and borders drawn by treaties.
c) Ethnic and cultural diversity – can unite or divide.
d) Economic development – determines spatial inequalities.
e) Political systems – centralized vs. decentralized governance.
f) Globalization – external economic and political influences.
5. Unitary and Federal States
(a) Unitary States
Power is concentrated in the central government.
Subnational units (provinces, counties) have limited autonomy.
Examples: France, Kenya, Japan.
Advantages: Strong unity, uniform policies, easier decision-making.
Disadvantages: Over-centralization, neglect of local needs, risk of marginalization.
(b) Federal States
Power shared between central and regional governments.
Regions have constitutional authority (e.g., states, provinces).
Examples: USA, Nigeria, Germany, India.
Advantages: Accommodates diversity, local autonomy, checks power of central govt.
Disadvantages: Risk of secessionist tendencies, duplication of government structures,
conflict between federal and state powers.