Cognitive geography is the study of how people perceive and interact with their environment. It examines how people's mental maps, or cognitive representations of space, influence their behavior and decision-making.

Mental maps are the way people perceive and organize information about their environment. They are based on people's experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, and they influence how people navigate, interact with, and make decisions about their environment.

Mental maps can lead to conflict and misunderstanding between countries because they can create different perceptions of reality. For example, two countries may have different mental maps of their border region, which can lead to disputes over territory.

Culture shapes the way people perceive and interact with their environment because it influences their values, beliefs, and norms. For example, different cultures may have different attitudes towards the environment, which can lead to different environmental policies.

Cognitive geography can be used to promote peace and understanding between countries by educating people about different mental maps, promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and creating shared spaces and experiences. These strategies can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and cooperative world.