Glossary

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Aboriginal

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Aboriginals are the world’s oldest continuous culture, with over 65,000 years of history in Australia. Their profound connection to the land, innovations like fire-stick farming, and rich spiritual traditions such as Dreamtime highlight their ingenuity and resilience. Despite the challenges of colonization, Aboriginal communities continue to preserve and celebrate their heritage. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Absolute location

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Absolute location defines an exact point on Earth using latitude and longitude, offering unmatched precision for navigation, mapping, and scientific research. This system is the foundation of GPS and modern exploration. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Acculturation

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Acculturation describes the cultural changes that occur when individuals or groups adopt elements of another culture, leading to innovation and integration. While it fosters diversity and creativity, it also challenges cultural preservation. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Acid rain

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Acid rain forms when industrial pollutants mix with atmospheric moisture, producing precipitation harmful to ecosystems, infrastructure, and health. Efforts to reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions are critical for mitigation. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Adaptive reuse

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Adaptive reuse transforms old buildings into functional spaces, blending historical preservation with modern needs. This sustainable approach revitalizes neighborhoods and fosters urban renewal. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Advanced developing countries

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Advanced developing countries, or NIEs, demonstrate rapid industrial growth and rising global influence, transitioning from agrarian to industrial economies. These nations drive innovation and trade but face challenges like inequality and environmental impact. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Advanced economies

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Advanced economies, as defined by the IMF, are the world’s most developed nations, characterized by high income levels, technological leadership, and global influence. While they face challenges like aging populations and inequality, they remain key drivers of innovation and governance. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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AFESD

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) promotes economic and social growth across 21 Arab states through project financing and technical assistance. Established in 1968, it supports regional integration and sustainability. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Afghanistan

Last modified by Driving Directions on 01/24/2021

Location: Central Asia Official name: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Formation (date of independence / date current borders were established): 1919 / 1919 Capital city: Kabul Population: 29.1 million / 116 people per sq mile (45 people per sq km) Total land area: 250,000 square miles (647,500 square km) Language(s) spoken: Pashtu (official language), Tajik, Dari …

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Africa

Last modified by Driving Directions on 01/26/2021

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent with a total area of 11,712,434 sq miles (30,335,000 sq km). It has 54 separate countries, including Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It straddles the equator and is the only continent to stretch from the northern to southern temperate zones. Learn more about Africa here.

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African Trypanosomiasis

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

African Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a fatal disease caused by Trypanosoma parasites transmitted by tsetse flies. Early diagnosis and vector control are key to combating this endemic threat in sub-Saharan Africa. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Age of Discovery

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

The Age of Discovery (15th–19th centuries) was a transformative era of European exploration, colonization, and global trade that connected continents but also caused profound disruption to indigenous peoples. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Agricultural

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

The Agricultural Revolution began 10,000 years ago, marking humanity’s shift from foraging to farming through the domestication of plants and animals. This revolution laid the foundation for settled communities and complex civilizations. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Aksum

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Aksum, a powerful trading hub from the 1st to 8th centuries A.D. in present-day Ethiopia, thrived due to its location near the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, fostering trade, culture, and early Christianity. For a detailed description, click on the article title.

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Albania

Last modified by Driving Directions on 01/24/2021

Location: Southeast Europe Official name: Republic of Albania Formation (date of independence / date current borders were established): 1912 / 1921 Capital city: Tirana Population: 3.2 million / 302 people per sq mile (117 people per sq km) Total land area: 11,100 square miles (28,748 square km) Language(s) spoken: Albanian (official language), Greek Main religions: …

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Albedo

Last modified by Driving Directions on 12/03/2024

Albedo measures the Sun’s energy reflected by Earth’s surface, influencing climate and energy balance. Vegetation, ice, and urban areas play critical roles, with changes impacting global warming and weather patterns. For a detailed description, click on the article title.