The term "west" refers to one of the four cardinal directions, opposite to east. It is commonly associated with the direction where the sun sets. In navigation, west is typically represented on maps as the left side when facing north. In geography, the western part of the world includes regions like Western Europe, North America, and Australia. The concept of "the West" can also refer to cultural and political ideas associated with these areas, often emphasizing values such as democracy and individualism.