citizen noun A person who legally belongs to a particular country and has the rights and duties that come with it. She became a citizen of Canada after living there for six years. + government noun The group of people with the authority to govern a country, state, or community. The government announced new funding for public schools this year. + democracy noun A system of government in which citizens hold power, typically through voting for representatives. The nation transitioned from military rule to democracy after years of protest. + culture noun The shared customs, arts, beliefs, and social behavior of a particular group or society. Studying abroad helped her understand a culture very different from her own. + community noun A group of people who live in the same area or who share common interests, background, or identity. The local community came together to rebuild the playground after the storm. + economy noun The system by which a country or region produces, distributes, and consumes goods, services, and money. The nation's economy grew steadily despite rising prices around the world. + geography noun The study of the physical features of the earth and how human activity relates to and shapes them. The geography course covered everything from mountain formation to global trade routes. + continent noun One of the earth's main continuous expanses of land, such as Africa or Asia. Antarctica is the coldest and most sparsely populated continent on Earth. + border noun A line that separates two countries, regions, or areas, or the edge of something. They crossed the border into a neighboring country just before sunset. + migration noun The movement of people or animals from one region or habitat to another, often seasonally. The annual migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti attracts tourists from around the world. + colony noun A country or territory under the political control of another, more powerful country, often with settlers from that country. India was a British colony until it gained independence in 1947. + constitution noun The fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization, or a person's physical or mental makeup. The nation's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and assembly to all citizens. + election noun A formal process in which people vote to choose a person for a political office or position. The national election drew record turnout despite the cold, rainy weather. + region noun A large, often loosely defined area of land, or a part of the body or an organization with distinct characteristics. The wine from this region is famous for its rich, earthy flavor. + resource noun Something available that can be used to meet a need or achieve a goal. The library is a useful resource for local history research. + trade noun The activity of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services between people or countries. International trade between the two nations grew rapidly after the agreement was signed. + currency noun The system of money used in a particular country, or the coins and banknotes themselves. The bank exchanged our dollars for the local currency before the trip. + tradition noun A long-established custom or belief passed down within a family, group, or culture. Baking bread together every Sunday has become a tradition in our family. + diversity noun The state of including many different types of people, ideas, or things. The company values diversity among its employees and leadership team. + heritage noun Valued traditions, achievements, beliefs, or property passed down from earlier generations. The festival celebrates the town's rich cultural heritage. + legislature noun A group of elected officials with the power to make or change laws for a country or region. The state legislature passed a new bill on education funding this week. + monarchy noun A system of government in which a single ruler, such as a king or queen, holds the highest authority. The country remains a monarchy, though the king's powers are now largely ceremonial. + republic noun A state in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives, not a monarch. The country became a republic after abolishing its monarchy in the last century. + urban adjective Relating to a city or densely populated town, rather than the countryside. Urban planners are redesigning the intersection to reduce traffic congestion downtown. + rural adjective Relating to the countryside rather than a town or city, especially in terms of farming or open land. They moved from the busy city to a rural town surrounded by farmland. + population noun The total number of people, or of a particular species, living in a given area. The population of the small town has grown by nearly a third in ten years. + settlement noun A place where people establish a community, or an agreement that resolves a dispute or debt. Archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient settlement near the river. + ancestor noun A person from whom one is descended, typically more distant than a grandparent. Her ancestors emigrated from Ireland to Boston during the great famine of the 1840s. + civilization noun A complex society with organized government, cities, and shared culture, or human society as a whole. Ancient Egyptian civilization developed along the fertile banks of the Nile River. + treaty noun A formal, legally binding agreement between two or more nations or states. The two countries signed a treaty ending decades of border disputes. +