1.
region, district, area
A particular geographical area.
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:
- 地方都市: regional city
- 地方自治体: local government
- 地方公務員: local government employee
- 地方税: local tax
CONTRAST:
- 地方: region; rural areas
- 都会: city, urban area
- 田舎: countryside (more casual/intimate)