The study of the manner of exploitation of the earth’s resources and the limits set by physical environment is the proper scope of Economic Geography. It ‘deals with the produc­tive occupations and attempts to explain why certain regions are outstanding in the produc­tion and exportation of various articles and why others are significant in the importation and utilization of these things’.

In this study of interdependence of production, emphasis should be given upon the de­gree of human initiative and the nature of physical forces enacting to shape certain life-patterns. They should be studied not in isolation but as a comprehensive system of interaction between man and Nature.

However, it is not content only with the analysis of the present pattern of productive occupations, it also studies their dynamics, for global resources change not only in response to increasing knowledge, improved skills and techniques, but also, perhaps more importantly, in relation to changing socio-political objectives. Thus, Economic Geography is a much-embracing subject.

It not only aims at the understanding of different natural phenom­ena but also takes cognizance of racial traits and customs, advantages of an early start, avail­ability of capital and labour, accumulated technical knowledge and skilled management, sta­bility of governments, government aids or hindrances in the form of tariffs, subsidies or ur­banization schemes and so on.

The main objective of Economic Geography is, as expounded, to examine man’s eco­nomic achievement in terms of production and consumption in the light of his environment. To assess the relative importance of the study of this branch of geography, we have to evaluate the purposes that it serves.

Economic Geography, fundamentally, maintains a very close rela­tion with man’s economic welfare as other social sciences do; but the approach is radically different. Through various stages of interpretation and analysis it, in the final stage, attempts to point out the potential for development of a region, occupied by a certain group of people.

Disparity in the state of economic well-being and level of production is a common phenom­enon. In order to eliminate such disparity, mobilization of resources is imperative. A careful study of the situation has to be undertaken before any move is initiated to mobilize resources to resolve problems. Economic Geography accomplishes this job.

Stages of past growth or heritage plays a very decisive role in shaping the present destiny of man. It is, therefore, important to note that the factor of heritage, be it natural or cultural or human, should not be overlooked since any enforced evolution or imposition of culture may bring disastrous results.