differences in development in developing countries

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

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

the country’s money is also spent on military equipment so there is even less money available for spending on housing, education, healthcare and industry.

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

natural disasters can impact on the level of development in a country, for example, floods and monsoon rains in Bangladesh means that 60% is flooded each year.

this can limit progress as development money is then spent on disaster relief like repairing roads, buildings and railways.

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

some countries have beautiful beaches and scenery which attracts tourists, creating jobs and income, such as Brazil.

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

the level of disease in a country is also a further issue. 28% of Lesotho has HIV, which affects the labour force in the country as people are too unwell to work and so the economy will suffer.

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

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

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