Geography studies Earth's physical features, climates, and human populations. Physical geography examines landforms, water systems, and climate. Human geography examines where and how people live.

Maps are essential tools. Political maps show borders and cities. Physical maps show landforms and elevation. Thematic maps display specific data (population, climate, resources). Maps use a compass rose for direction, a scale for distance, and a legend (key) to explain symbols.

Earth has seven continents (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America) and five oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic). Latitude and longitude create a coordinate system for locating any place on Earth.

Geography influences human settlement, culture, and economic activity. People settle near water sources, fertile land, and moderate climates. Natural resources shape economies — oil-rich regions develop differently than agricultural regions.