The term "Mainland" typically refers to the principal landmass of a country or region, as opposed to its islands or smaller landforms. For example, in the context of China, the "Mainland" often denotes the area excluding regions like Hong Kong and Macau. It is the largest part of a nation and usually contains the majority of its population and economic activities. In geographical discussions, "Mainland" can also refer to the main part of a continent, such as the Mainland United States which excludes territories like Hawaii and Alaska. This distinction helps in understanding political, cultural, and economic differences between the mainland and its surrounding areas.