地方 has two main uses: a geographical region or the provinces/rural areas (as opposed to major cities like Tokyo).
MEANINGS:
1. Region/district: 関東地方 (Kanto region)
2. Rural areas/provinces: 地方に住む (to live in the countryside)
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
CONTRAST:
- 地方: region; rural areas
- 都会: city, urban area
- 田舎: countryside (more casual/intimate)