An "are" (symbol: a) is a unit of area that is not part of the International System of Units (SI) but is used in some countries, particularly in Europe, for measuring land areas. One are is equal to 100 square meters (m²).
To put it simply, 1 are is equivalent to a square with sides that each measure 10 meters. It is a relatively convenient unit for measuring smaller land areas, such as gardens, small fields, or land plots, where using square meters might result in large numbers.
Here are some additional conversions to provide context:
For example, if you have a piece of land that is 5 ares in size, it would be equivalent to 500 square meters (5 ares * 100 m²/are = 500 m²).
A township can have different meanings depending on the country and context in which it is used:
United States and Canada (North America): In North America, a township is a specific type of administrative division used in land survey systems. In the United States, townships are most commonly used in the Midwest and some other parts of the country. In Canada, townships are used primarily in the eastern provinces. These townships are typically a square area of land, typically six miles by six miles (36 square miles), or a similar configuration depending on the specific survey system used. Townships can be further divided into smaller units, such as sections, for land management and ownership purposes.
South Africa: In South Africa, a township refers to a residential area established during the apartheid era for non-white citizens. These areas were segregated from the main cities and towns and often experienced poor living conditions. Today, many townships have evolved and have improved living conditions, but the term is still associated with historically segregated communities.
Australia: In Australia, the term "township" is often used to refer to small rural towns or settlements. These are typically smaller than cities or larger towns and often serve as centers for local communities.