What is the primary focus of geography as a social science?

Geography as a social science primarily focuses on the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. This encompasses not only the physical characteristics of a location, such as its climate and terrain, but also how these elements influence human activities and societal development. By analyzing the spatial aspects of human existence, geography helps to understand patterns of human behavior, cultural practices, socio-economic structures, and the dynamics of how people interact with their environment.

This focus allows geographers to explore a wide range of topics, including urban development, migration patterns, resource distribution, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these relationships is essential, as they determine how societies adapt to their surroundings, utilize resources, and impact the natural world. Therefore, the core of geography lies in its holistic approach to examining how humans and their environments shape and influence each other over time and across different regions.