UGERIA: HETEROGENEOUS INDEPENDENCE
UGERIAN POPULATION
Gerian (Jeer’ e an) Characteristics
makes up 72% of Ugeria's population
descendants of three indigenous groups
is largely secular
desires a democratic political system
averages high annual wages
has developed minerals, harbors, oil fields, fishing grounds
has a 93% literacy rate
has a 65% urban population
presently doubles its population every 87 years
Uge (You’ jay) Characteristics
makes up 28% of Ugeria's population
descendants of an ancient indigenous group
fundamentalist approach to religion
desires a theocratic political system
averages low annual wages
has developed hydroelectric power as its primary energy resource
has a 19% literacy rate
has a 12% urban population
presently doubles its population every 35 years
Background Information
Ugeria has been a colony of a distant state for the past 143 years. Two distinctly different groups populate the area in large numbers. In 18 months the former colonial power will grant sovereignty to Ugeria. A United Nations commission will meet with representatives from the two Ugerian groups to decide if Ugeria should remain a single political entity or become two or more separate states.
You represent the two Ugerian groups at a series of pre-UN meetings designed to arrive at a solution before the UN intervenes. Because the future of your state and your people depends on your actions and decisions, it is important that you approach the meetings with an attitude of determination and good faith and a willingness to compromise. Conversely, you cannot sacrifice the values of your entire group lightly, if at all.
Study the map and data. Try to anticipate the conflicts that may arise because of the groups' differences and spatial distribution in Ugeria and seek a solution to those potential conflicts. If you propose dividing Ugeria into two new states, you must agree where to draw the boundary on the map. Keep a written record of the reasons for all decisions both within and between the delegations.
This situation includes issues that involve all of the topics we have discussed this semester - physical geography, cultural geography, demography / population geography, political geography and economic geography. All of those areas should be part of the decision-making process in your search for a solution that will satisfy both groups.
Your goal is to reach consensus regarding the fate of Ugeria. Construct a final map showing a whole or partitioned Ugeria and list the reasons for your decision.