1.   Because of their geographic isolation, Puerto Ricans tend to look abroad for design trends.

2.   Charlestown is one of several Boston neighborhoods whose geographic isolation and decades of economic decline had sowed the seeds of a somewhat insular identity.

3.   Despite having an educated work force and a remarkably healthy economy, Australia has been somewhat overlooked by investors in developed countries because of its geographic isolation.

4.   Eiichi Chino, a linguistics professor at Wako University, sees an answer in Japanese history and its geographic isolation.

5.   In its battle against the Medfly, Chile benefited greatly from its geographic isolation.

6.   It flourished in mountainous regions like Telemark and Hallingdal, which, because of their geographic isolation, developed distinctive styles.

7.   All Pacific Island nations are experiencing severe economic difficulties due to their geographic isolation, lack of resources, population pressure and diminishing foreign aid.

8.   South Africa is a late comer to the AIDS epidemic after decades of geographic isolation during apartheid.