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| {{featured}} | | {{merge|Pokémon world}} |
| :''For other uses, see [[Pokémon world (disambiguation)]].''
| | {{fan speculation}} |
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| | [[File:RegionsMoviesMap.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The known Pokémon nation as it appears in the anime]] |
| [[File:PokemonWorldAnime.png|thumb|240px|An orbital view of the Pokémon world, seen in the anime. Note its resemblance to Earth.]] | |
| [[File:Unova world map.png|200px|thumb|Map showing only the landscape. Unova is identified by squared cursor. Note the obvious similarities to Europe at the bottom of the picture; Scandinavia looks practically unchanged]]
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| The '''Pokémon world''' is the main planet for the [[Pokémon]] [[Canon|franchise]], set in the [[Pokémon universe]]. It bears some striking similarities with the [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|real world]], certainly deriving inspiration from it, but many factors set it apart as a different place from our own world. The world of Pokémon is based on Japanese culture but various other cultures are also added and mixed.<ref>[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=152 Hidden Power of Masuda: Director's Columns]</ref> | |
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| ==History==
| | The "'''Pokémon nation'''" is an unnamed nation and the setting for the [[Pokémon games]] of [[Generation I]] through [[Generation IV]], since it has not been officially confirmed that [[Unova]] and [[Kalos]] (from [[Generation V]] and [[Generation VI]] respectively) are part of the same nation. The nation is divided up into several smaller [[region]]s, which all are located on the [[Pokémon world|planet that the series calls home]]. |
| {{main|History of the Pokémon world}}
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| It is said in many [[Sinnoh myths|Sinnoh legends]] that the universe, Pokémon world included, was created by a single {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, {{p|Arceus}}. In a void of nothingness, a single {{pkmn|Egg}} came into being, which then hatched into {{p|Arceus}}. Arceus creates {{p|Dialga}}, {{p|Palkia}}, and possibly {{p|Giratina}} and gives Dialga and Palkia the abilities to control time and space. Giratina is banished into [[Distortion World|another dimension]] for its behavior. Then, during very early formation of the world, possibly sooner, Arceus creates {{p|Azelf}}, {{p|Uxie}}, and {{p|Mesprit}} to create willpower, knowledge, and emotion respectively, attributes that are in all modern [[human]]s and Pokémon. They dive to the bottom of present-day [[Lake Valor]], [[Lake Acuity]], and [[Lake Verity]], respectively, dubbing the term "the lake guardians." Also in these early times {{p|Mew}} likely came into being, containing the DNA of every Pokémon. There are many scientists who believe that Mew was the ancestor of all Pokémon <ref>Because it can use all kinds of moves, many scientists believe Mew to be the ancestor of Pokémon. ''Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum Pokédex entry''</ref><ref>Because it is able to use every move, there are many scientists who believe that it is the ancestor of all Pokémon. ''Pokémon Black and White Pokédex entry''</ref>.
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| [[File:Weather trio.png|left|thumb|220px|{{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}}'s great battle]] | |
| The next to come into being are {{p|Groudon}}, {{p|Kyogre}}, and {{p|Rayquaza}}. It has been speculated that Groudon was formed deep inside the earth, from magma, Kyogre was formed by the pressure in the deep sea trenches, and Rayquaza was formed by the minerals of the ozone layer. Another theory exists that the three already existed before the oceans, lands, and ozone layer did, and rather, proceeded to create these components of the planet themselves. Rayquaza proceeds to fly around in the ozone layer, occasionally coming to rest at the [[Sky Pillar]]. Groudon and Kyogre proceed to create landmass and fill the sea, respectively. A chance meeting turns the two into rivals, and a conflict for dominance over the Pokémon world begins. This battle continues until Rayquaza quells it, causing Groudon and Kyogre to retreat to special caverns, where they rest. The Red and Blue Orbs are created to prevent the reawakening of Groudon and Kyogre, and are left at [[Mt. Pyre]] for safekeeping. At this time, Mew may have been plentiful and lived in large numbers. Landmasses such as [[Mt. Coronet]] are created, and {{p|Regigigas}} moves the continents, forming various [[region]]s. The [[Sinnoh]] region is created around Mt. Coronet. During this violent procedure, [[Stark Mountain]] is created and {{p|Heatran}} is formed in lava. Arceus creates the Adamant, Lustrous and Griseous Orbs before falling into a never-ending sleep.
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| [[File:Unreleased Unown 2.png|thumb|right|Ancient {{p|Unown}} seen in many different languages and ages]] | |
| Many years after, the prehistoric era begins and the first prehistoric Pokémon come into being. Scientists have proven that prehistoric Pokémon roamed the land, as [[Fossil]]s and other archaeological remains have been found to contain the DNA of Pokémon. It is possible that the Mew population may have decreased at this stage, as they slowly gave way to other Pokémon species. Evolution has come, separating humans from Pokémon, to create the first humans.
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| During the Stone, Ice, and Iron Ages, the [[legendary golems]] are created, and used as keys to seal away {{p|Regigigas}} in the [[Snowpoint Temple]]. {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Regice}} and {{p|Registeel}} are hidden in the Hoenn region.
| | According to the [[Takeshi Shudō]]'s anime novelizations, the capital of this nation is [[Tokyo City]], though this capital has not been mentioned in any other medium. The political body residing in this capital is unknown as well. |
| [[File:Brass Tower HGSS.png|[[Brass Tower]] after the fire, 150 years later.|thumb|left]]
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| 1500 years before modern times, the earliest known system for writing is developed and used at the [[Ruins of Alph]], [[Tanoby Ruins]], and [[Solaceon Ruins]]. Archaeologists are currently unsure whether the nearly identical {{p|Unown}} preceded or succeeded the writing system, but it is assumed they share some sort of connection. At this point the {{p|Magikarp}} population mutated and became weaker.
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| In recent history, 700 years before modern times, the [[Tin Tower]] and the [[Brass Tower]] were constructed. These two nine-tier towers were built opposite each other in Ecruteak City. The towers were built to foster friendship and hope between Pokémon and people. The view from the top of the towers was said to be 'magnificent'. In the west was [[Brass Tower]], which was said to awaken Pokémon and in the east was the Tin Tower, where Pokémon were said to rest. At the time, {{p|Lugia|an immense silver-colored Pokémon}}, was said to make its roost atop the [[Brass Tower]], while its counterpart, the glorious rainbow-colored {{p|Ho-Oh}} was said to rest at the Tin Tower. However, around 150 years before the games, a lightning bolt struck the Brass Tower. It was engulfed in flames that raged for 3 days. Lugia and Ho-Oh escaped to the skies unharmed. A sudden downpour put an end to the blaze. In-game lore states that three Pokémon died in the fire, but Ho-Oh was able to revive them as the [[legendary beasts]], {{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Entei}}, and {{p|Suicune}}. At around this time, the first [[Pokémon League]] competitions started to take place. In the 1990s, the first Pokémon created by scientific engineering, {{p|Porygon}}, is created.
| | The main evidence to support the fact that all the known regions (including [[Unova]] and [[Kalos]]) of the [[Pokémon world]] are a part of one nation is their mutual use of the term "[[National Pokédex]]". The National Pokédex is a [[Pokédex]] listing that all main regions share, which begins with the [[starter Pokémon]] of [[Kanto]], and has reached its end so far with a 719th member, {{p|Diancie}}. Each region also has its own [[regional Pokédex]], consisting of a local variation on the numerical order, which typically does not include all Pokémon introduced up to that generation (the [[List of Pokémon by New Pokédex number|New Pokédex]] in Generation II being an exception, as it included all 251 Pokémon included in that generation). Regional Pokédexes always begin with starter Pokémon of that region, (with the exception of Unova's, which starts with {{p|Victini}}) rather than Kanto's as with the National Pokédex. |
| [[File:Dialga-Palkia-Giratina.jpg|thumb|right|230px|{{p|Dialga}}, {{p|Palkia}} and {{p|Giratina}} on the [[Spear Pillar]].]] | |
| In contemporary history, some years prior to the date, {{p|Mewtwo}} is cloned from {{p|Mew}}, and later escapes and destroys [[Cinnabar Island]]'s {{ka|Pokémon Mansion}}. Soon after, an erupting volcano on [[Cinnabar Island]] causes destruction of many areas on the island. Along with that, the leaders of Teams [[Team Aqua|Aqua]] and [[Team Magma|Magma]] reawaken {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}} and they continue their great battle, only to get stopped again by {{p|Rayquaza}}. Groudon and Kyogre retreat to the region of [[Fiore]] to rest after their battle.
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| In modern history, the [[Sinnoh]] region has become unusually colder, due to the strange circumstances occurring across the region. The [[creation trio|legendary titans]] of Sinnoh are also awoken by a villainous team; [[Team Galactic]] use a [[Red Chain]] forged from the [[lake guardians]] to summon {{p|Dialga}}, {{p|Palkia}} and {{p|Giratina}}. Their efforts are halted due to interference from the {{player}}. At this time, a rip in time-space has occurred, opening a portal to the [[Distortion World]]. Giratina escapes into its dimension along with [[Cyrus]], the [[Team Galactic]] leader. The entrance to the Distortion World closes returning the [[Sinnoh]] region back to normal. Some years after this, [[Team Plasma]] attempts to free Pokémon from human capture but for selfish reasons. {{p|Reshiram}} and {{p|Zekrom}} are awoken due to Team Plasma and the player. The player, siding with one of the two dragons, battles against [[N]] to test if N's convictions were correct. After this, the player defeats [[Ghetsis]], and [[N]] leaves to a distant land with his dragon, while the player keeps theirs.
| | The nation's known geography is similar to that of {{wp|Japan}} on a much larger scale, with each of the known regions [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|corresponding to a portion of the country]]. |
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| ==Culture==
| | In [[Pokémon Conquest]], the opposite is true. Rather than having one nation divided in several regions, the [[Ransei]] region is divided into 17 kingdoms. |
| [[File:Ever Grande City anime.png|thumb|left|The [[Ever Grande Conference]]]] | |
| Culturally, the many depictions of the world all reflect a popular fascination with Pokémon and their interactions with humans, including {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} them, {{pkmn|training}} them, {{pkmn|battle|battling}} them, {{pkmn|breeding|raising}} them, keeping them as pets, studying them, and utilizing their varied skills. Several [[Sinnoh myths|myths]] discuss the relationship between humans and Pokémon as a very close one, and one folk tale even says that there was a time when humans and Pokémon were considered one and the same.
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| In a broad sense, Pokémon training is based on the answer to two questions: What should the relationship between a Pokémon Trainer and Pokémon be, and what is the best way to foster this relationship? Depending on their individual viewpoints regarding training, different Trainers follow different methods of training and focus on different areas. It is generally thought that there is no one right way to train, since many methods have valid reasons behind them and their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
| | ==Regions== |
| | {{wp|Administrative division|Subnational divisions}} of the Pokémon world are known as '''regions''', each with their own similarities and differences. The following is a list of known regions confirmed to be part of the Pokémon nation, as they all use the same National Pokédex listing. |
| | {| style="background: #{{MD Sky color}}; border: 3px solid #{{MD Sky color dark}}; {{roundy|10px}}" |
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| | ! style="background:#{{MD Sky color light}}; {{roundytop}}" | Confirmed regions |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{kanto color}}|Kanto}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{sevii color}}|Sevii Islands}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{johto color}}|Johto}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{hoenn color}}|Hoenn}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{sinnoh color}}|Sinnoh}} |
| | |- style="{{roundybottom}}; background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{orange color}}|Orange Archipelago}} |
| | |} |
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| However, in particular, many training methods will fall into one of two categories. The first category is methods which focus on the [[friendship]] and well-being of Pokémon and developing a bond of friendship. The second category is methods which focus on developing the strength and ability of a Pokémon and being able to control it masterfully. Trainers will often argue about which of these two views is best. In fact, this is a common theme in the [[canon]], frequently supporting the idea that friendship is the most important thing in a Trainer's relationship with Pokémon, and a good Trainer can bring out the strength of any Pokémon with their love and care.
| | ===Status unknown=== |
| | Due to the fact that these regions are said to be farther away from the others, some of them have a completely different theme, and Orre, Kalos and Unova are based on areas outside of Japan (the basis of the rest of the nation), it is unknown whether or not they are part of the same nation. These regions have several ties with the confirmed regions. |
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| The [[history of the Pokémon world]] is notably different from our own, and seems to be dictated primarily between the interactions between humans and Pokémon. There does not seem to be a major world religion, but some believe in the ancient myths based around [[legendary Pokémon]], so it is plausible that the population believes in ''Pokémon'' as their religion. Backing this up, most people are generally kind and respect Pokémon. Shinto shrines and crosses have both been seen. In [[Hearthome City]] the Foreign Building appears to be a Christian church. Also, Brock made reference to the story of Noah featured in the Old Testament of the Bible in ''[[EP016|Pokémon Shipwreck]]''. In [[Pokémon Adventures]] in ''[[PS320|VS Vileplume II]]'', a Hoenn couple had a Christian-like wedding.
| | {| style="background: #{{MD Sky color}}; border: 3px solid #{{MD Sky color dark}}; {{roundy|10px}}" |
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| | ! style="background:#{{MD Sky color light}}; {{roundytop}}" | Unconfirmed regions |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{unova color}}|Unova}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{kalos color}}|Kalos}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{orre color}}|Orre}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{tcg metal color}}|Holon}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{water color}}|Decolore Islands}} |
| | |} |
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| However, there exist [[Villainous teams|many individuals]] that wish to harness Pokémon for their own nefarious deeds. Some of these people are simply do so for material gain while others hold misguided ideals to help the world. In addition, war is not unknown to the Pokémon world, [[Lt. Surge]] having fought in at least one. {{wp|Firearms}} and other weapons exist, but are not used as often as Pokémon are.
| | ==[[Ranger Union]]== |
| | These regions are featured in the Pokémon Ranger games, and reference the [[Ranger Union]], a nation-like entity. It is unknown whether the Ranger Union is part of the nation or not. |
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| ==Pokémon== | | {| style="background: #{{MD Sky color}}; border: 3px solid #{{MD Sky color dark}}; {{roundy|10px}}" |
| [[File:Pokemon breeder.png|thumb|right|210px|People and Pokémon working together, as seen in the TCG]]
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| Pokémon are living creatures that inhabit the Pokémon world, living alongside, and usually helping, humans. Pokémon have been seen within this world as being both supplements and replacements for animals and plants that exist within the real world. Most people respect Pokémon and treat them kindly, yet there exist people who take advantage of them and exploit their abilities for their own gain. Pokémon have feelings and can also understand the human language to some extent. Recreations of natural ecosystems are done with Pokémon. While some Pokémon have abilities that are normal or only slightly distorted from reality, many more Pokémon have abilities that are completely original and have no counterparts within the real world. Other Pokémon are based on [[Legendary Pokémon|legends that exist in our world]] such as {{p|Ho-Oh}} being based on a {{wp|phoenix}}.
| | ! style="background:#{{MD Sky color light}}; {{roundytop}}" | Regions in the Ranger Union |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{ranger color}}|Fiore}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{SoA color}}|Almia}} |
| | |- style="background:#fff;" |
| | | {{color2|{{GS color}}|Oblivia}} |
| | |} |
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| ===Evolution===
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| [[File:Unova starters evolution artwork.png|thumb|left|240px|The final evolutions of the starters of [[Unova]]]]
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| In a [[Sinnoh myths|Sinnoh myth]], it is said that Pokémon and people were originally the same species. Over time, some of these creatures split apart from the rest and became humans. This theory has been explored many times throughout the Pokémon world, but not proven. {{p|Mew}} is said to be the ancestor of all life: it {{wp|evolution|evolved}} into the other Pokémon. The first human recording was during the Stone Age, millions of years before the modern era. Biological taxonomies of cellular and genetic structure have revealed that Pokémon are all actually a single species of life form and that the individual differences between each creature are actually subspecies. This can also explain why Pokémon can variously interbreed with each other. This explores the myth of evolution in the Pokémon world and makes a reference to evolution of animals and humans in the real world.
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| In modern times, Pokémon commonly undergo a process called [[evolution]]. During the course of a Pokémon's development, under certain circumstances specific to that Pokémon's subspecies, it may become a different Pokémon. This change is not merely physical, however, as Pokémon of a higher evolutionary stage have different and usually more powerful [[base stats]] than their predecessors, may have different [[move]]s that can be learned, and sometimes change their [[type]]s, though the primary type is usually preserved. Most Pokémon will undergo this process.
| | {{Regions}}<br> |
| | | {{Project Locations notice}} |
| Evolution in Pokémon, for most subspecies, is more akin to {{wp|metamorphosis}} than to actual evolution. The Pokémon whose evolution is closest to the real-world definition of evolution is {{p|Burmy}}, who takes on a different appearance depending on the environment.
| | [[Category:Pokémon world]] |
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| ===Reproduction===
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| {{main|Pokémon breeding}}
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| Nearly every Pokémon undergoes some form of reproduction. Fully developed, or Pokémon that passed their [[Baby Pokémon|baby form]] can breed with Pokémon of the same [[Egg Group]]. Pokémon that have no genders can only breed with {{p|Ditto}}; baby Pokémon and [[legendary Pokémon]] cannot breed at all, with the exception of {{p|Manaphy}} and {{p|Phione}}. Like the majority of real animals, most Pokémon have genders which can sometimes be determined by markings and gender-differences. Usually, a Trainer's Pokémon will breed in a [[Pokémon Day Care]]. It is unknown how a Pokémon reproduces, as no one has seen a Pokémon reproduce. Based on this, it is safe to assume that they only reproduce when left alone.
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| [[File:SugimoriEggs.png|thumb|180px|Eggs of {{p|Togepi}} and {{p|Elekid}}]]
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| All Pokémon able to breed lay {{pkmn|Egg}}s. Though, nobody has actually seen a Pokémon lay an Egg, they apparently appear by the Pokémon. Pokémon usually lay one Egg at a time, sometimes, in unusual occasions, lay various Eggs at a time. Pokémon Eggs are similar to birds' Eggs, as they have a hard outer shell that protects the growing, undeveloped Pokémon inside. An Egg's shell usually has a pattern reflecting the appearance of the Pokémon inside making each Pokémon Egg unique from one another. Pokémon, like animals, are rather protective of their Eggs. They sometimes nest them, but usually keep them close to themselves. The growing Pokémon incubates inside its Egg until the time come for the Pokémon to hatch. The time it takes for a Pokémon to hatch varies from each Pokémon species and the type of Egg. However, placing an Egg into a PC will halt the incubation process.
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| Some Pokémon species have a [[Baby Pokémon|baby form]] when they hatch from their Eggs. Once in their adult stages, these Pokémon are able to reproduce and continue the cycle of reproduction. Most baby Pokémon can only hatch as a baby Pokémon. However, there are some exceptions. Some Pokémon hatch into a more advanced form most of the time, but can also hatch into a baby form when [[incense|conditions]] are right.
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| ===Pokémon as food===
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| It is stated in multiple Pokédex entries that some Pokémon are known to eat others, such as {{p|Pidgeot}} swooping down to catch a {{p|Magikarp}} meal from the water. Humans have also been implied to eat Pokémon, with the player's mother's {{isl|Cinnabar}} Volcano Burgers and {{TRT}}'s plot to sell [[Valuable item#Slowpoketail|Slowpoketail]]s as a sweet treat in [[Generation II]] and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. {{p|Farfetch'd}} itself is based on a specific manner for preparing a meal of duck, with its rarity in the wild being a result of overhunting. Several of the [[Sinnoh myths]] also mention eating Pokémon, saying that they will be born again if their bones are picked clean and returned to where the Pokémon was found.
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| ===Classification===
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| Pokémon have been enumerated in several different regions by their local [[Pokémon professor]]s, taking their primary example from [[Professor Oak]], the developer of the first [[Pokédex]]. While Oak's initial development only counted the 151 Pokémon [[List of Pokémon by Kanto Pokédex number|native to]] the [[Kanto]] region, by collaborating with the other professors to develop separate [[regional Pokédex|Pokédex listings]] for each region, the [[National Pokédex]], which counts all Pokémon known, currently catalogs {{numpkmn}} Pokémon.
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| Pokémon are also classified according to several different [[type]]s, depending on their strengths, weaknesses, and the moves they learn. Each of these types has certain strengths and weaknesses against others, with a total of 18 types identified so far. Pokémon are known to have either one or two types. Pokémon's types can be changed by moves like {{m|Soak}} and {{m|Conversion}}, and through abilities like {{a|Color Change}}.
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| ==Geography and nature==
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| [[File:RegionsMoviesMap.jpg|thumb|500px|A map of the [[Pokémon nation|nation]] in which the games and anime take place]]
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| The Pokémon world looks and acts like the real world in terms of geography. Each have landforms, oceans of water (the [[Oceanic Museum]] has an exhibit claiming over two-thirds of the world is covered by water, the same as Earth), and temperatures to support life - meaning that the Pokémon world is about the same size and same distances from its sun as the real world. Misty even directly refers to the Pokémon world as Earth in [[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]. However, if the Pokémon world is ''not'' Earth, it must be similar, having a similar {{wp|moon}}, similar climates, and so on, which explains the similar tides. Many different theories exist as to exactly how the Pokémon world relates to our own.
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| Humans and nature in the Pokémon world are linked to each other, as many towns are built around the natural environment. A point of interest, unlike the real world, is that people's links with the nature are strong and they never try to affect the natural environment, with the exception of some [[villainous teams]]. Some Pokémon such as {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}} can affect and shape nature causing unexplainable droughts, storms and earthquakes that can affect the continental plates.
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| {{p|Arcanine}}'s Pokédex entry states that it is considered legendary in China; in the anime, [[Jessie]]'s mother was said to have been lost in an expedition in the Andes; and lab reports in [[Pokémon Mansion]] state that {{p|Mew}} was discovered in Guyana, South America. These observations imply some possibility of the Pokémon world being the same as the "real world", only with extra regions.
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| ===Structure===
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| [[File:KantoJohtoAreas.png|thumb|right|200px|In-game map from {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}} showing the connection between Kanto and Johto]]
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| The Pokémon world is split into several regions, [[Kanto]], [[Johto]], [[Hoenn]], [[Sinnoh]], [[Unova]], and [[Kalos]] among them. These regions are large landforms much like continents in the real world, which support a large political [[region]]. Off these regions are islands that are not part of any region. These islands are grouped together to create one small region like the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]] and the [[Sevii Islands]]. Though there are many similarities between them, there are some major differences between the regions, such as what Pokémon are located there and what legends there are waiting to be uncovered. Visitors from another region quickly realize that the region they are visiting is far from their home, both in the way of the climate, and in the culture of the people there. The regions are generally thought to be part of a larger country because of the term [[National Pokédex]], but they are all perhaps part of a {{wp|world nation}}. There are, as of Generation VI, only six primary regions, yet others such as [[Orre]] and [[Fiore]] have been introduced in other games. Several small kingdoms have been introduced in the {{pkmn|anime}} as well, most of which keep themselves secluded in remote or difficult to reach areas.
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| [[File:Regions.png|thumb|left|175px|Regions in relation to {{wp|Japan}}]]
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| The geography of the regions is strikingly [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|similar]] to {{wp|Japan}}, but in a much larger scale, as seen in [[M05|the fifth movie]] (the only time when the entire planet is clearly shown). The {{wp|Kanto region|Kantō region}} of Japan is not only identical in name to [[Kanto]] in the Pokémon world, it is also very similar geographically; however, the western part of Kanto corresponds to eastern {{wp|Chubu region|Chūbu}}. In Japan, the Kanto region is often contrasted with {{wp|Kansai}}, which is like Johto, to the west. However, Johto is geographically more similar to the combined region of Kansai and western {{wp|Chubu}}. Hoenn is based on the southernmost parts of Japan—{{wp|Kyushu|Kyūshū}} and {{wp|Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa}}—with the latter highly condensed. Sinnoh has been said to be an island like Hoenn, rather than a peninsula. It is based on the northernmost major island of Japan, {{wp|Hokkaido}}, part of {{wp|Sakhalin}} and {{wp|Kunashir Island}}. Unova has been said to be based on the island of {{wp|Manhattan}} and the {{wp|New York City Metropolitan Area}}, and the latest games, [[Pokémon X and Y]], take place in the [[Kalos]] region, which is based on Northern {{wp|France}}, with many cultural similarities between the country and the region, such as language, music, and architecture. Regardless, the {{pkmn|games}} have referenced real places on Earth, such as {{wp|South America}}, {{wp|Australia}}, {{wp|China}}, {{wp|Antarctic}}, the {{wp|United States}}, and the {{wp|Pacific Ocean}}, while the anime (and related products) have referenced places such as [[Hollywood]], {{wp|California}}, {{wp|Minnesota}}, {{wp|England}}, and {{wp|Paris}}.
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| ===Climate===
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| [[File:Diamond Dust Platinum.gif|thumb|{{DL|Snowpoint City|Diamond dust}} twinkles in [[Snowpoint City]]]]
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| [[File:BW Prerelease seasons autumn.png|thumb|left|[[Seasons|Autumn]] in the Unova region]]
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| Most regions have different climates. Regions and islands like the [[Hoenn]] and the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]] further south in the Pokémon world have a warmer climate than northerly regions, possibly due to an {{wp|equator}}, much like on Earth. It gets so hot in Hoenn that there is a desert with a raging sandstorm. Meanwhile, the [[Sinnoh]] region is cooler than other regions, and becoming colder due to climate change in the region. It is snowing constantly in the northern area of the region. Some Pokémon such as {{p|Groudon}}, {{p|Kyogre}} and {{p|Rayquaza}} can affect climate and weather.
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| Weather conditions still apply in the Pokémon world, and as clouds and {{weather|rain}} exist, so must the {{wp|water cycle}}. Many weather conditions that appear on Earth are also in the Pokémon world, such as {{weather|rain}}, {{weather|hail}}storms, {{weather|snow}}, {{weather|fog}}, and {{weather|sandstorm}}s. Given that plants and trees seem to grow in a normal manner, it can be reasonably assumed that the other major cycles, such as the {{wp|carbon cycle}} and the {{wp|nitrogen cycle}}, exist as well.
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| ===Environment===
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| [[File:Mt. Coronet.png|thumb|180px|[[Mt. Coronet]], the tallest mountain in the [[Sinnoh]] [[region]]]]
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| The natural environment in the Pokémon world is much similar to the real Earth's environment. Areas with a high density of trees make up forests, landscapes that receive very little precipitation create deserts, while loose broken-up particles of rock make large coastal beaches attracting people and Pokémon alike. The [[Hoenn]] and the [[Sinnoh]] regions boast many dramatic environments ranging from rainforests to deserts.
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| The Pokémon world is mainly green and lush, based on factors such as plant structures including trees, shrubs, and grasses. Grass is usually uncontrolled and makes [[tall grass|tall grass patches]] that form prime habitats for [[wild Pokémon]]. There is a [[Sinnoh Myths#Sinnoh Region's Mythology|Sinnoh Myth]] that explains why Pokémon appear when people walk into the [[tall grass]]: When Sinnoh had just been created, a Pokémon proposed that they should always be ready to help the humans. There are also large mountainous areas that tower above low lying land areas. The largest mountain range is [[Mt. Coronet]], which stretches from the top to the bottom of Sinnoh, splitting the whole region in two. Man-made and natural occurrences form [[cave]]s in the mountainsides that are able to be explored or passed through to get to other cities. Many natural phenomenons appear in the Pokémon world such as snowing ash that covers the area is caused by the nearby volcano that smokes and rains down on the area.
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| Humans and nature in the Pokémon world are linked to each other, as many towns are built around its environment and they never try to affect the natural environment. [[Pacifidlog Town]], for example, is built on wooden rafts and logs that float on top of a {{p|Corsola}} colony, while [[Sootopolis City]] is built in the crater of a hollowed, erupted volcano. An ecosystem is formed when all plants, Pokémon, and people in an area function together with all of the non-living physical factors of the environment. It is said that Pokémon are more in tune with nature than humans.
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| {{left clear}}
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| ==Physics and technology==
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| [[File:Gold Silver Ethan Time Capsule.png|thumb|right|150px|A Time Capsule, used to teleport Pokémon back in time]]
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| Science and technology in the Pokémon world is more advanced than the real world. Technological advances have evolved the Pokémon world, scientists have created ways to [[Pokémon Storage System|store Pokémon on computers]], [[Global Terminal|send Pokémon around the world]], [[Time Capsule|send Pokémon back in time]] and [[Fossil|clone Fossils to create prehistoric Pokémon]], yet people's lives in the games are simple and very natural. Scientific achievements such as {{wp|cloning}} and [[Poké Ball|energy conversion]] mingle with magical elements such as spontaneous [[evolution]] and [[Time flower|flowers]] that can replay a short time sequence, giving one the sense that the Pokémon world is very different from our own. The state of technology conceivably places the timeframe we see in either the present day, or perhaps in the future, but this is merely speculative. Scientists at the [[Devon Corporation]] and other companies are still working on more advanced and slightly impossible inventions like a Pokémon Dream Projector that makes a visual projection of Pokémon dreams, Pokémon Speaker that allows communication with Pokémon, and a Pokémon Transformator that turns people into Pokémon (which Bill accidentally did when testing his teleporter). {{wp|Antigravity}} machines exist alongside basic means of travel such as [[bicycle]]s and trucks.
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| One of the most advanced and commonly used technology in the Pokémon world is the [[Poké Ball]] which transforms a Pokémon into energy so it can be contained in the small ball. In a {{pkmn|battle}}, once the opposing [[wild Pokémon]] has been weakened, the {{pkmn|Trainer}} will throw a Poké Ball at it. Assuming the Poké Ball hits it and is not dodged or hit back to the Trainer, the Poké Ball will open, convert the wild Pokémon to an energy form, pull the energy into its hollow center, and then close. The wild Pokémon will then be given the chance to struggle to try to escape the Poké Ball. Poké Balls originated from [[Apricorn]]s, which is a non-synthetic Poké Ball. Old Apricorn Poké Balls were able to be unscrewed at the disproportionate top and manually be released, to let the Pokémon out. There are now several different kinds of Poké Balls, each for different occasions, including the [[Master Ball]] which is able to capture a wild Pokémon without failure.
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| [[File:Open PokeBall.png|frame|left|A Poké Ball, the most common technology used in the Pokémon World]]
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| Despite the amount of advanced technology available, comparatively few [[Transportation in the Pokémon world|modes of transportation]] are seen. This may be because the world is often shown through the eyes of a [[Pokémon Trainer]], who usually travel on foot for a variety of practical reasons such as cost and finding [[wild Pokémon]]. However, there is a possibility that some transportation such as cars and trucks are harmful to the natural environment and Pokémon by the poisonous pollution from the vehicles. The most common transportation used to get to other regions or islands is by sailing by boat or ship, as it is a quick and easy way to get to other lands, while most regions have their own ferry. People can also use Pokémon for transportation by {{m|fly}}ing or {{m|Surf|swimming}}.
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| While Pokémon are generally tolerant of human settlements being constructed, most will often react with hostility to any human attempts to truly cause harm to the natural environment. In ''[[EP031|Dig Those Diglett!]]'', not only did a large group of Diglett and Dugtrio constantly hamper construction of a dam that would have destroyed much of the local habitat, the Pokémon of several Trainers invited to the scene to deal with the attacks refused to come out of their Poké Balls, and is one of the rare instances of [[Ash's Pikachu]] refusing to fight, which prompted Ash, Misty, and Brock to investigate further. In return, Pokémon are often seen providing several services that in the real world are performed by technology: {{t|Water}}- and {{type|Ground}} Pokémon are often used to fight fires, {{type|Electric}} Pokémon used as a clean source of electrical power, and so on.
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| In the anime, the physics of the Pokémon world are sometimes stretched to [[anime physics|unrealistic degrees]]. Some common examples are unusual feats of strength and agility, surviving lethal attacks, and {{wp|hammerspace}}.
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| {{-}}
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| ==Trivia==
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| * Kanto and Johto are the only regions known to be adjacent to each other.
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| * The existence of foreign Pokédex entries, different {{p|Unown}} markings, and characters like the [[Meister]], [[Fantina]], and [[Looker]] point to the fact that there are other languages in the Pokémon world (although it is unknown what other language(s) Looker speaks, his speech patterns indicate that he is not a native speaker of the language used by people from the [[Pokémon nation]]). The Kalos region is implied as a {{wp|bilingual}} region, with many signs being written in French such as menus, and people often drop occasional French words into sentences.
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| * Regular [[Animals in the Pokémon world|animals]] have been seen in some of the older media while regular plants like apple trees or pine trees are still seen often or even daily. There is a possibility that both animals and Pokémon exist within this world in a complicated ecosystem; often real animals are referenced in a Pokédex entry, especially if the Pokémon being referred to is based on an animal. Humans and plants exist, helping this theory.
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| * [[Junichi Masuda]] once stated in an interview:
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| ::"We actually don't think of the world of Pokémon as Earth. If we were to do that, we would kind of be limited by what we could do. By thinking about how physical objects work on Earth and how various elements work on Earth, we would kind of be limited to that if we thought of it as Earth. We think of it as a place that is really similar to Earth, but is a different planet of its own with people in it who may be similar to people on Earth, but they have different values so they care about different things. It's the type of place, the Pokémon world, where problems we face on Earth just wouldn't happen. There wouldn't be global warming, water shortages, or anything like that. It's a world where the people in it really want to work together with each other. Their value system is such where they would prefer to work together and eliminate these problems rather than feud."<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/11/23/pok-233-mon-39-s-burning-questions.aspx Pokémon's Burning Questions]</ref>
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| ==External links==
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| ===On Bulbagarden forums===
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| *[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/forumdisplay.php?f=313 Pokémon world discussion forum]
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| ==References==
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| <references/> | |
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| {{Regions}} | |
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| [[Category:Pokémon world|*]] | |
| [[Category:Locations]]
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| [[it:Mondo Pokémon]]
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| [[zh:神奇宝贝世界]]
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