Formal are defined based on cold hard facts, such as population, per capita income of the people who live there, or even temperature.
Functional regions are organized around a focal point, that include areas that are linked to them through communication patterns, transportation routes, or even television broadcasts.
Perceptual regions reflect human feelings and attitudes about areas, they are based more on opinions than facts.
If you ever hear someone refer to a neighborhood as a place where "most of the people who" are members of an ethnic group, work in a certain profession, or have a certain set of ideas live without having taken a formal poll to determine the facts, they are talking about a perceived region.
Fuctional and formal
formal
Aral sea in Kazakhstan is a formal functional region
formal
no its neither appalachia is a perceptual region
The United States has been divided in regions identified as formal, functional or perceptual. Texas is classified as a formal region where all traits are based on measurable data.
perceptual - the pretty part of nothern Germany functional- the Berlin urban area formal-Germany
Germany is a formal region, because it has defined borders. All countries are formal regions because of this, for example, if you were close to the border of Germany and Austria and in Germany, you are still in Germany.
kauai Hawaii is a functional region because a functional region means something that functions and Kauai has tourism which functions.
The Grand Canyon is considered a perceptual region. A perceptual region is defined by people's feelings and attitudes about an area, rather than strict physical or functional characteristics. The Grand Canyon is perceived as a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder by the general public, making it a prime example of a perceptual region.
The Sun Belt is primarily considered a perceptual region, as it encompasses a broad area in the southern United States characterized by warm climates and a distinct cultural identity. While it has some functional aspects, such as economic ties and migration patterns, it lacks a clear formal definition based on specific boundaries. Therefore, it is best understood as a perceptual region shaped by the perceptions and experiences of its residents and visitors.
The Sunbelt is primarily considered a perceptual region. It is characterized by a shared climate, lifestyle, and economic opportunities, particularly in the southern United States, stretching from California to Florida. While it has some functional aspects, such as economic ties and migration patterns, its identity is largely shaped by cultural perceptions and regional characteristics rather than strict formal or functional boundaries.