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.