In conceptual terms a ‘functional region’ [FR] is defined “as a region organised by functional relations that are maximised within the region [maximisation of intra-regional flows] and minimised across its borders [minimisation of inter-regional flows or interactions] so that the principles of internal cohesiveness and external separation regarding the intensities of spatial flows or interactions are met” [Klapka, Halás & Tonev, 2013: 96]. In more concrete terms, the term FR refers to a sub-division of territories that result from the spatial differentiation and organisation of social and economic relations rather than to geographical boundaries and particularities or to historical developments. Although the conceptual bases of the term is heterogeneous across Europe, FRs are, according to the OECD, in most countries defined in terms of labour markets delineated around a given [metropolitan] centre [OECD, 2002; see also EC/OECD, 2015]. Thus, a FR can be described as a territorial unit which may be defined as a central place and the surrounding places affected by it defined by business or economic activities. For instance, the principle of commuting conditions, i.e. that of labour mobility, or the size of the population as well as the level of employment is taken as a central element. Functional regions usually show a relatively well-functioning match between labour supply and demand which makes labour mobility towards the exterior not necessary as workers find jobs within their own region’s limits [OECD, 2002]. Even though there are some incompatibilities with territorial and/or administrative regions, in most cases FRs do provide the basis for understanding regional disparities, planning and implementing labour market and economic policies [ibid.].
In YOUNG_ADULLLT FRs provide a way to map and examine the linkages and flows that create interdependence and the main advantage involved is to help identify areas with specific problems, such as mismatches between the education, social, and employment sectors, since it is here where policies and young adults meet [OECD, 2014]. FRs which are regarded as autonomous units can take different shapes or types and different inner patterns of interaction, since any kind of spatial flow or interaction can organize this region. For example, in the case of a functional urban area the flows or interactions could be oriented towards a single city or a town [e.g. with daily travel-to-work flows]. However, a FR could also have multiple cores [e.g. the Oberrhein area with Basel, Strasbourg and Freiburg] and in this case the mapping and analysis regards particularly the relations and interactions between individual cores within one region.
[Marcelo Parreira do Amaral & Hans-Georg Kotthoff]
A region is a part of the earth’s surface that is characterized by a level of similarity based on certain features. They are defined by the scale of physical characteristics and human characteristics. In geography, regions are categorized into three: formal, functional and vernacular. Formal regions are politically defined regions such as countries, states, and cities. A region that is specifically divided or located for a function is called a functional region. This is the main difference between formal and functional regions.
What is a Formal Region?
A formal region is a specific area that is defined by economics, physical properties, culture or government. A formal region is also known as a uniform region as it shares one or more physical or cultural features. Such formal locations are called uniform since they are combined with, uniform soil and uniform climate that result in uniform land use, settlements and mode of life within a region.
What is a Functional Region?
A region that is specifically divided or located for a function is called a functional region. A functional region is made up of a specific location and area surrounding it. Areas containing a kind of service, such as cable television, or points on a map that are a terminal for an activity, such as travel or communication via telephone can also be named as functional regions.
What is the difference between Formal and Functional Regions?
Formal Region | Functional Region |
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Examples: States, Countries, Cities, Counties and Provinces |
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Formal vs Functional Regions – Conclusion
Formal and functional regions both have a social, cultural and political system, along with its living population. A formal region is an area identified by a political and social system and a functional system is an area, where we find a particular function taking place like for an example; electronic production, newspaper circulation etc. Both these terms are merely man-made definitions to facilitate the governing and growth of one specific area with the vision of achieving higher status in terms of the economic, social, cultural and political growth of one’s country.
Image Courtesy:
“Paris Ring Roads A104” By User:Euro commuter – Plotted by software written by the author [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons Wikimedia
“Russian Regions-EN” By User:TavorkRussia_-_blank_map_[2008-01].svg: Ezhikiderivative work: Plavius [talk]Luís Flávio Loureiro dos Santos – Russian-regions.pngRussia_-_blank_map_[2008-01].svg [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons Wikimedia