1. Definition

Economic geography is a branch of geography that studies the spatial distribution of economic activities and their impact on people and the environment. It examines the locations of businesses, the distribution of resources, trade flows, and the interactions between economy and space. The goal is to analyze and explain economic processes and their geographical patterns.

Economic geography combines elements from economics, sociology, and geography to understand complex economic relationships in a spatial context.

2. Applications

Economic geography has diverse applications:

• Location Analysis: Businesses use insights from economic geography to determine optimal locations for factories, offices, or retail stores.
• Resource Management: It helps analyze the availability and utilization of natural resources.
• Urban and Regional Planning: Urban and rural planning often relies on economic geographic analyses to promote sustainable development.
• Globalization: Examines the impact of global trade flows and market integration on regional and local economies.
• Transport and Logistics: Optimizing trade routes and networks based on spatial conditions.
• Sustainability: Economic geography explores ways to make economic activities more environmentally friendly.

The interdisciplinary nature of economic geography makes it a key field in shaping policy and economic strategies.

3. Types of Economic Geography

Economic geography can be divided into several subfields, depending on its focus:

• Agricultural Geography: Studies the spatial patterns of agriculture and their economic significance.
• Industrial Geography: Analyzes the distribution and development of industrial centers.
• Trade Geography: Deals with the trade and distribution of goods and services.
• Transport Geography: Examines the spatial structure and organization of transport and logistics.
• Tourism Geography: Analyzes the economic and spatial aspects of tourism.
• Global Economic Geography: Focuses on international trade relations and economic networks.

Each of these subfields offers specific perspectives and tools for analyzing economic processes in a spatial context. Insights from economic geography help make informed economic decisions and guide policy-making.