AP Human Geography - Chapter 9 Development

Development

The process of improving people’s material conditions through knowledge and technology

Human Development Index (HDI)

A measure created by the UN to assess a country’s level of development using economic, social, and demographic data

The three HDI indicators

Economic (GDP per capita), social (education and literacy), demographic (life expectancy)

GDP per capita

The value of goods/services produced in a country divided by its population

What does a high GDP per capita indicate?

Greater potential for a comfortable life

Three types of jobs by sector

Primary (agriculture), secondary (manufacturing), tertiary (services)

Which sector is most common in MDCs?

Tertiary

Which sector is most common in LDCs?

Primary

Productivity

The value of a product compared to the labor needed to make it

Why are workers in MDCs more productive?

Greater access to technology, tools, and machines

What are consumer goods used as development indicatiors?

Motor vehicles, telephones, and computers

Why is consumer goods access lower in LDCs?

Less wealth and rural lifestyles reduce demand and accessibility

Student-teacher ratio

The number of students per teacher, lower in MDCs than LDCs

Literacy rate

The percentage of people who can read and write

Why do MDCs have higher literacy rates?

More investment in education and access to educational materials

Why is literacy important for development?

Enables better jobs and access to information

How does caloric intake differ between MDCs and LDCs?

MDCs consume more than needed; LDCs often less than the minimum

Why do MDCs spend more on healthcare?

Higher GDP and a public service approach in many countries

What is life expectancy in MDCs vs. LDCs?

70s in MDCs, 60s in LDCs

Infant mortality rate (IMR)

The number of infant death per 1,000 live births

Why is IMR higher in LDCs?

Malnutrition, poor medical are, lack of education

Natural increase rate (NIR)

Population growth rate from births minus deaths

How does NIR differ in MDCs vs LDCs?

Higher in LDCs, straining resources

Why is crude birth rate (CBR) higher in LDCs?

Less access to contraception and economic/cultural preferences

Why can crude death rate (CDR) be misleading?

MDCs may have higher rates due to older populations

North-South Split

Most MDCs are north of 30° latitude; most LDCs are south

HDI of North America

0.95

HDI of Europe

0.93

Why is the U.S. HDI not the highest?

Lower education completion and health care access

What sector dominates in the U.S. economy?

Tertiary (services like health care and finance)

Why is Russia’s HDI lower than other MDCs?

Economic issues post-Communism and uneven development

What helps Japan succeed despite limited resources?

Education, skilled labor, and focus on high-value goods

What is Oceania’s HDI?

0.90

What are Brazil, China, and Mexico examples of?

Countries with significant regional variation in development

Where is wealth concentrated in Brazil?

Along the Atlantic coast

What region leads Latin America in development?

Southern coastal cities like São Paulo and Buenos Aires

What hinders development in Latin America?

Inequitable land ownership and reliance on exports

Why is China a key global player?

Large population, booming manufacturing, and rapid growth

What challenges does China face?

Pollution, low wages, weak management, and quality control

Why is Southwest Asia/North Africa uneven in development?

Rich in oil, but many countries lack reserves and face cultural restrictions

What hinders development in Middle Eastern countries?

Gender inequality, conflict, and religious conservatism

What makes Southeast Asia’s environment challenging?

Tropical climate, volcanoes, and typhoons

What are Southeast Asia’s main exports?

Rice, rubber, palm oil, and textiles

Why has Southeast Asia’s growth slowed?

Corruption, poor investments, and economic reforms

What is Central Asia’s primary resource?

Petroleum and minerals

What country in Central Asia has the lowest development?

Afghanistan

Why is sub-Saharan Africa’s development low?

Poor health, conflict, colonial legacy, and overpopulation

What resource paradox exists in sub-Saharan Africa?

Rich in minerals but economically poor due to mismanagement and conflict