Which term best describes an area defined by formal and functional criteria?

The term that best describes an area defined by formal and functional criteria is "Region."

In geography, a region is a specified area that is characterized by certain unifying features, which can include physical characteristics, cultural aspects, or economic activities. Formal regions are defined by specific criteria such as borders, climate, or landforms, while functional regions are centered around a focal point or a set of activities and may extend outward based on connections or interactions, such as trade or communication.

Understanding the concept of regions is crucial as it allows for the classification and study of different parts of the world based on various criteria, helping geographers analyze relationships and patterns within those specific areas. This distinguishes it clearly from the other terms: location refers to a specific point on the Earth's surface, place refers to the characteristics that define a location, and site refers to the physical attributes of a specific location.