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.
A "cuerda" is a unit of land measurement used in some Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in parts of Latin America. The exact value of a cuerda can vary from one region to another, and historically, there have been different definitions of the cuerda depending on local customs and land survey practices.
In some areas, a cuerda is equivalent to 100 square varas. A vara is a unit of length, and the square vara is used as a measure of land area. The exact length of a vara can also vary by region, but it is often around 32.9 inches (approximately 0.836 meters). Therefore, the area of one cuerda, defined as 100 square varas, would depend on the specific length of the vara in that region.
The use of the cuerda is not standardized across all Spanish-speaking countries, and its value can differ significantly from one location to another. In some places, the term "cuerda" may also be used to refer to a rope or cord, adding to the potential for confusion. When dealing with land measurements in areas that use the cuerda, it's essential to understand the local definitions and practices to avoid discrepancies or errors.