Introduction
Are you preparing for the Advanced Placement Human Geography exam? If so, expanding your vocabulary is crucial. The AP Human Geography exam tests students’ understanding of geographical concepts and their ability to analyze and interpret data. A strong vocabulary will help you decipher the complex terms and ideas presented on the exam.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of essential AP Human Geography vocabulary words. We will also offer tips on how to learn and retain these terms effectively.
Essential AP Human Geography Vocabulary
The following table includes 100 essential AP Human Geography vocabulary words:
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Abiotic: Non-living factors in an environment | Biosphere: The part of the Earth where life exists |
Carrying capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support | Climate: The average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time |
Culture: The beliefs, values, and practices of a society | Demography: The study of human populations |
Developed country: A country with a high standard of living and a developed economy | Developing country: A country with a low standard of living and a developing economy |
Economic development: The process of improving the economic well-being of a population | Ecosystem: A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment |
Environment: The sum of all the external conditions that affect an organism or community | Globalization: The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence between countries and peoples |
Human geography: The study of the relationship between humans and their environment | Industrial revolution: A period of rapid technological and economic change that began in the 18th century |
Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., transportation, communication, power plants) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise | Language: A system of communication consisting of sounds, symbols, or gestures |
Migration: The movement of people from one place to another | Natural resources: Resources that occur naturally in the environment |
Overpopulation: A situation in which the population of an area exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment | Physical geography: The study of the physical features of the Earth |
Political geography: The study of the distribution of political power and the organization of space | Population density: The number of people living in a given area |
Religion: A system of beliefs and practices concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe | Rural area: An area with a low population density and a focus on agriculture |
Settlement: A place where people live | Social geography: The study of the spatial distribution of human society |
Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs | Urban area: An area with a high population density and a focus on industry and commerce |
Tips for Learning and Retaining AP Human Geography Vocabulary
Here are some tips for learning and retaining AP Human Geography vocabulary:
- Create flashcards: Writing down the vocabulary words and their definitions on flashcards is a great way to memorize them.
- Use spaced repetition: Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals. This helps to move the information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory.
- Practice using the words: The best way to learn vocabulary is to practice using it. Try to incorporate the new words into your everyday conversations and writing.
- Take practice tests: Taking practice tests will help you identify the vocabulary words that you need to work on.
- Get help from a tutor: If you are struggling to learn the vocabulary, consider getting help from a tutor. A tutor can provide you with personalized instruction and support.
Conclusion
Expanding your AP Human Geography vocabulary is essential for success on the AP exam. By following the tips in this article, you can learn and retain the necessary vocabulary words and improve your overall understanding of human geography.