West facts for kids
West is one of the four main directions on a compass. It is the opposite direction of East. On most maps, west is usually found on the left side. For example, Germany is located to the west of Poland. The sun and moon also appear to set in the west each day.
When people talk about "The West" in everyday conversation, they are often referring to a group of countries. These usually include nations in Europe (especially those west of Croatia) and their related countries in the Americas (like the United States and Canada) and Australasia (like Australia and New Zealand).
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What is West?
West is a fundamental direction, just like north, south, and east. Imagine standing and facing North. West would be to your left side. It's a way we describe where things are located in relation to each other.
West on a Compass and Map
A compass is a tool that helps us find directions. On a compass, west is marked with the letter "W". When you look at a map, the top is usually north, the bottom is south, the right is east, and the left is west. This helps you understand the layout of different places.
For example, if you are looking at a map of Europe, you would see that countries like France and Spain are to the west of countries like Italy and Greece.
Where the Sun Sets
Every evening, the sun appears to go down below the horizon. This event is called a sunset. The sun always sets in the west. This is because the Earth is constantly spinning. As our planet rotates, different parts of it face away from the sun, making it look like the sun is moving across the sky. The moon also sets in the west.
"The West" - A Special Meaning
Sometimes, when people say "The West," they are not just talking about a direction. They are talking about a group of countries that share similar cultures, histories, and political ideas. This idea of "The West" has changed over time, but it generally refers to countries that have been influenced by European history and traditions.
Countries of "The West"
Historically, "The West" often referred to Western Europe. After World War II, it expanded to include countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries often have similar democratic governments and economic systems. They also share many cultural values.
See also
In Spanish: Oeste para niños
