Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What defines a gateway city?

1. A city that is the largest in a nation

2. A city that serves as the control center for a former colonial power

3. A city that functions solely as an industrial hub

4. A city that is predominantly rural

The correct answer is: A city that serves as the control center for a former colonial power

A gateway city is characterized as a key entry point for trade, migration, and interaction between different cultures and economies. The correct choice describes a city that acts as the control center for a former colonial power, which often signifies its role in managing and directing economic activities, trade routes, and cultural exchanges stemming from that colonial history. These cities typically have significant infrastructure, such as ports or airports, that facilitate international commerce and interactions, which is central to their identity as gateways. In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the defining characteristics of a gateway city. The largest city in a nation may not necessarily serve as a point of entry or interaction with other regions; it simply indicates population size. A city functioning solely as an industrial hub lacks the broader multifaceted role of facilitating trade and cultural exchange typically seen in gateway cities. Similarly, a predominantly rural city would not meet the criteria of a gateway city, as these cities are often urban centers that provide vital links to international networks.