Geography is the study of the earth and its features, inhabitants, and phenomena. Historically there are four areas of study within the subject of geography: the spatial analysis of natural and human phenomena, area studies, study of the relationship between humans and land, and research in earth sciences. Modern geography is split into two branches: human geography and physical geography. This has led academics to dub geography the "bridge" between the natural and social sciences.
History of Geography
Anaximander of Miletus was considered by later Greek writers to be the true founder of geography and is credited with the first instrument for measurement of latitude. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that geography was to become a recognized academic discipline and a part of university curriculum in Europe.
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Fast Facts
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From the Greek words geo (Earth), and graphein (to write)Etymology Online: Etymological Definition
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Coined by Greek scholar Eratosthenes
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Alexander Von Humboldt and Carl Ritter are considered the fathers of modern geography
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In a 2006 study, 6 in 10 young American adults were unable to find Iraq on a mapCBS News: Where's Iraq, Young Adults Don't Know (May 2, 2006)
