State Shapes

State ShapesBy Aditi TarkarShape TypesCompactProruptedElongatedFragmentedPerforatedCompact StateCompact State- A state whose distance from center to any boundary does not vary significantly.Example: PolandPoland (Compact State)

AdvantagesEasy to manageCommunications are easier and betterMuch easier to defend than shapes of other states

DisadvantagesMay not have a lot of natural resources compared to bigger statesEasier to invadeLikely to have internal conflictsLack of respect that larger countries have

Prorupted StateProrupted State- An otherwise compact state with a large projecting extension.Example: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Prorupted State)

AdvantagesEasy access to the coast and local resources around itAble to prevent rival access

DisadvantagesPoor communication within their borders because of elongated shapeThe part that protrudes could be easily taken overPoor security in the extension area

Elongated StateElongated State- A state that has a long and elongated shape.Example: ChileChile (Elongated State)

AdvantagesEncompasses variety of landscapes

DisadvantagesDifficult to defendDifficult to govern or rule peripheral areasIsolationPoor communication within state

Fragmented StateFragmented State- A state that includes several discontinuous pieces of territory.Example: PhilippinesPhilippines (Fragmented State)

AdvantagesHarder to attack

DisadvantagesHarder to communicateDifficult to govern or rule

Perforated StatePerforated State- A state that completely surrounds another one.Example: South Africa South Africa (Perforated State)

Are there other perforated states?Yes, only one.Hint: Its in EuropeHint: It borders FranceHint: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located inthis state.Answer: ItalyItaly is the only other perforated state.

AdvantagesMaking / Building / Enforcing a relationship with surrounding stateProfit / Gains for the perforated statePossibility of gaining an ally during a warEconomic control by perforated state over landlocked state

DisadvantagesThe surrounded state can be reached by going through the bordering country Surrounded state is more dependent for resourcesTensions can arise easily