When people talk about the west what do they mean?

When people refer to "the West," they typically mean a cultural and geopolitical region that includes countries in Western Europe and North America, characterized by democratic governance, market economies, and individual freedoms. The term can also encompass shared historical and philosophical values, such as Enlightenment ideals. In a broader context, "the West" may contrast with "the East," often signifying differing cultural, political, and economic systems.