Geographic Names Thesaurus

* indicates a non-preferred term, which includes a link to the preferred term

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Explanation

Geographic Names is an alphabetical and hierarchical list of geographic location terms used in ICPSR's metadata records. The points below describe the structure and logic of the list:

Non-preferred terms are italicized and indicate (with Preferred Term notation) the appropriate term to apply.
Examples:
- USA
- Preferred Term: United States
- United States
- Non-Preferred Term: USA
The hierarchy, expressed as broader term/narrower term is structured to (potentially) indicate a region-continent-country-state/province-city continuum.
Examples:
- Netherlands
- BROADER TERM(S): Europe
- NARROWER TERM(S): Amsterdam
Examples:
- North America
- NARROWER TERM(S):
  - United States
  - Michigan
  - Ann Arbor
Examples:
- Tokyo
- BROADER TERM(S):
  - Asia
  - Japan
While regional, continent, and country names are included in the current list, state/province and city names are included on the basis of their occurrence in ICPSR-archived data sets. These will continue to be added as needed.
Sub-regional geographic designations (such Middle East, Southeast Asia) are also included with their associated country names listed as related terms
Examples:
- Southeast Asia
- RELATED TERM(S):
  - Asia
  - Cambodia
  - Indonesia
  - Laos
  - Malaysia
  - Myanmar
  - Philippines
  - Singapore
  - Thailand
  - Vietnam
Descriptions are used to delineate the geographic coverage of a region or sub-region. Additionally, they are used to indicate historic context in cases of country name changes. In such cases, relevant dates are given along with instructions/restrictions on the use of particular country name forms. Open dates (e.g. 1991- ) indicate current context.
Examples:
- Uzbekistan
- Description: Formerly member of USSR; independent 1991- .
Examples:
- USSR
- Description: Use limited to 1922-1991.
- BROADER TERM(S)
  - Asia
  - Europe
- RELATED TERM(S)
  - Armenia
  - Azerbaijan
  - Belarus
  - Estonia
  - Georgia (Republic)
  - Kazakhstan
  - Kyrgyzstan
  - Latvia
  - Lithuania
  - Moldova
  - Russia
  - Tajikistan
  - Turkmenistan
  - Ukraine
  - Uzbekistan

Literary and historic warrant for the Geographic Regions and Country Names list is established through the following sources:

Merriam-Webster Geographic Dictionary. 1998. 3rd edition. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
Random House Webster's College Dictionary. 1999. New York: Random House.

Geographic Names Thesaurus

Explanation

Terms