Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What best describes a fragmented state?

1. A state that is culturally homogeneous

2. A state that has two or more areas of territory separated by another country

3. A state governed by a single political party

4. A state that has no clear territorial boundaries

The correct answer is: A state that has two or more areas of territory separated by another country

A fragmented state is defined by its geographic situation of having two or more territories that are separated from one another by a significant distance or by the territory of another state. This fragmentation can lead to various challenges in governance, communication, and resource distribution, as the separate areas may not be easily connected geographically. For example, countries like Indonesia and the Philippines consist of multiple islands, which makes administration and the provision of services more complex compared to a more compact state. This concept contrasts strongly with the characteristics outlined in the other options. When describing a state as culturally homogeneous, it refers to the population's cultural make-up being largely uniform. A state governed by a single political party does not inherently relate to its geographical composition. Lastly, a state with no clear territorial boundaries might suggest issues of sovereignty or territorial disputes but does not specifically define the notion of fragmentation as defined in geography.