What Is 'World Music' and Why Does It Exist?

No matter whom you ask, generally, people will respond with varied definitions for the term 'World Music'. However, one description which seems to re-occur, and part of my definition, is that world music is music typical of the place from which it originates. I shall explain what I mean by this. Take Ireland for example as they have what they call 'Irish Folk' music. Because this style and genre is what I see as exclusive to that part of the world, I would determine this as one of the many different types of World Music. I do however, have another theory. This being, that the modern day term is simply used by music chain stores, such as HMV, to condense music which they can't fit into any other genres, and therefore capitalise through sales, records bought which often don't belong in this category. And why does it exist? Well, on the surface, to educate people in the styles of music native to certain areas. But beneath the surface and for reasons I have already stated, you may find the term simply meaningless, nothing more than a get out term.