Hinterland

The hinterland is the land or district behind that bordering on a coast or river. Specifically, by the doctrine of the hinterland, the word is applied to inland region lying behind a port, claimed by the state that owns the coast. The area from which products are delivered to a port for shipping elsewhere is that port's hinterland. Contrast foreland, the places to which a port ships.

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The word has been borrowed from German, where it literally means the land behind (a city, a port or similar). In German this word also describes the part of a country where only few people live and where the infrastructure is underdeveloped. The direct analogy in English is "back country". See also Bush of Alaskan and Australian usage.

Related Topics:
German - City - Bush

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By analogy, it is the area surrounding a service from which customers are attracted, also called the market area.

Related Topics:
Analogy - Market area

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It was applied also to the surrounding areas of former European colonies in Africa, which, although not part of the colony itself, were influenced by the colony.

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