differences in development in developing countries

Natural Resources

some countries such as Saudi Arabia have natural resources such as oil, which can be sold to generate foreign currency.

Conflict

countries suffering from conflict or civil wars (Syria) will not develop if its working age populations are fighting instead of working on farms and in factories.

Military Spending

the country’s money is also spent on military equipment which means there is even less money available for development of healthcare, housing, industry and education.

Corruption

corruption in government such as in Zimbabwe can lead to money being used inappropriately and for military purposes.

Natural Disasters

natural disasters can have an impact on the level of development (e.g. flood and monsoon rains in Bangladesh, where 60% is flooded each year

natural disasters limit progress

they can limit progress as development money is spent on disaster relief - repairing roads, bridges and buildings.

destroying industrial sites

farmland, factories and infrastructure can also be destroyed, pushing the country further back.

Tourism

some countries have beautiful beaches and scenery, which attracts tourists, creating jobs. e.g. Brazil.

climate

a very hot and dry climate can cause desertification, making it it very difficult to grow crops to feed the population.

Disease

the level of disease is a further issue (e.g. 28% of Lesotho suffer from HIV) this affects the labour force in the country as people are too unwell to work and so the economy will suffer

disease children

children may need to stay at home to look after ill family members which hinders their education

location

some countries like Chad are landlocked and find it more expensive to import and export goods

GNP would then be lower, limiting money that can be spent on improving living standards.