What files needed to merge two shapefiles using QGIS?

Question

I am trying to build a choropleth map for an assignment. This requires that I merge the shape files in the following compressed folders into a single shapefile.

folder 1
folder 2

I have just installed QGIS to get this done. My challenge is that I like to know the contents in these folders that are needed and those I should discard.
I am new to GIS.

MrXsquared · Accepted Answer

Minimum requirement for shapefiles are .shp, .dbf and .shx files. Check https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/manage-data/shapefiles/shapefile-file-extensions.htm for further informations about this file format and its different extensions.
To merge them, just unpack your .zip and make sure all fileextensions of the same filename are in the same folder. Then just drag & drop the .shp files into QGIS. Run "merge vector layers" from processing toolbox and choose both as input.
By default, the processing toolbox is hidden. To show it, go to View --> Panels and check "Processing Toolbox". Then just type in the tool name "merge vector layers" into its search field and double click it:

Finally choose your both layers from "input layers" menu and hit run.

What files needed to merge two shapefiles using QGIS?

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