heartland

noun heartlands

1. Synonym of heart (“the seat of the affections or love”).

   Similar: heart

2. The interior part of a region, especially when contrasted with coastal parts or when regarded as particularly powerful or significant. [R]ound the Pole all three powers lay claim to enormous territories which in fact are largely uninhabited and unexplored: but the balance of power always remains roughly even, and the territory which forms the heartland of each super-state always remains inviolate.
3. specifically In the geopolitical theory of the English geographer Halford John Mackinder (1861–1947): the interior of the world island comprising north-central Eurasia, regarded as politically powerful.
4. Singapore, in plural, specifically Residential districts and planning areas outside the city centre; the new towns of Singapore collectively. Those in the HDB [Housing and Development Board] heartland will be able to vote in the airconditioned comfort of their community centres […]
5. US, attributive, often, specifically The states in the centre of the United States, chiefly regarded as politically and socially conservative; also, the people living in such states collectively. Little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane / Two American kids growin' up in the heartland

   Similar: Middle America

6. A region or part of a region particularly associated with or significant for a characteristic, such as an activity, a faith, support for a political party or other organization, etc. The home counties are the Conservative heartland.