Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which of the following describes an internally displaced person?

1. A person who migrates to another country for better opportunities

2. A person who remains within their country but has been forced to leave their home

3. A refugee who has crossed international borders

4. A person forcibly resettled by governmental policies

The correct answer is: A person who remains within their country but has been forced to leave their home

An internally displaced person (IDP) is defined as someone who has been forced to flee their home due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other crises but remains within the borders of their own country. This definition highlights the key characteristic of IDPs: they have not crossed an international border. They may have been displaced from their homes due to various reasons, such as violence or environmental factors, but they are still considered part of the population of their home nation. This status distinguishes them from refugees, who are individuals that leave their home country to seek safety in another country. Understanding this distinction is crucial in humanitarian discussions, as IDPs often face significant challenges, including lack of access to basic services and protection under the law in their own country.