Geography Revision <3

Factors Influencing Development

Development: Development is the improvement of people’s quality of life and standard of living.

Social Factors:

• Access to education and healthcare: Availability and quality of educational institutions and healthcare services impact development.

• Gender equality: Equal rights and opportunities for all genders contribute to societal progress.

• Literacy rate: The percentage of the population that can read and write is a key indicator of human capital.

Economic Factors:

• Employment rate: The proportion of the working-age population that is employed indicates economic activity.

• Trade and investment: International trade and foreign investment can stimulate economic growth.

• Good infrastructure: (roads, railways, communication networks) improves trade and investment, boosting economic growth.

• Industrialization: Industrialization helps a country grow by creating jobs, increasing productivity, and allowing the export of more valuable goods.

Physical Factors:

• Climate: Climate conditions such as droughts and monsoons can affect agricultural productivity and overall development.

• Natural hazards: Events like earthquakes and floods can hinder development progress.

• Natural resources: Availability of these resources is essential for basic needs and economic activities.

Historical & Political Factors:

• Colonialism: Past exploitation or underdevelopment due to colonial rule can have long-lasting effects.

• Stability of government, corruption, laws: A stable and transparent government, along with effective laws, fosters development.

How to Measure Development

GDP/GNI per capita:

• Definition: Average income per person in a country.

• Significance: Provides a snapshot of the economic output relative to the population size.

HDI (Human Development Index):

• Definition: Combines life expectancy, education (years of schooling), and income per capita.

• Significance: Provides a more holistic measure of development beyond just economic indicators.

Other indicators:

• Literacy rate: Percentage of the population that can read and write.

• Access to clean water: Proportion of the population with access to safe drinking water.

• Birth/death/infant mortality rates: Indicators of healthcare quality and living conditions.

Impacts of Development

• Positive: higher income, improved services (health, education), better quality of life.

• Negative: environmental degradation, urban overcrowding, inequality, cultural loss.

Clark-Fisher Model of Economic Sectors

Primary:

• Farming, mining (LICs e.g. Ethiopia)

• Description: Involves the extraction of raw materials from the earth.

• Example: Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining.

Secondary:

• Manufacturing (NEEs e.g. China, India)

• Description: Involves processing raw materials into finished goods.

• Example: Factories, construction, and manufacturing plants.

Tertiary:

• Services like teaching, healthcare (HICs e.g. UK, USA)

• Description: Involves providing services to businesses and consumers.

• Example: Retail, tourism, education, and healthcare.

Quaternary:

• Research, technology, astronauts (Advanced HICs)

• Description: Involves knowledge-based activities such as research and development.

• Example: Scientific research, information technology, and consulting.

LIC, NEE, HIC Definitions

LIC

• (Low-Income Country): e.g. Ethiopia

• Characteristics: Low GNI, poor infrastructure, high poverty rates.

NEE

• (Newly Emerging Economy): e.g. Brazil, India

• Characteristics: Rapid economic growth, improving industry & services.

HIC

• (High-Income Country): e.g. UK, USA

• Characteristics: High GNI, strong tertiary/quaternary sectors.

Benefits of Investing in LICs

• Creates jobs and boosts infrastructure

• Improves health and education outcomes

• Reduces poverty

• Encourages long-term economic growth

Indigenous peoples:

• Definition: People native to a region before colonisation or external influence.

• Characteristics: Often have unique cultures and strong land ties.

Population pyramid

• Population pyramid: A graph showing the age and sex structure of a population

• Wide base: high birth rate, youthful population (common in LIC’s)

• Narrow base, wider top: low birth rate, ageing population (common in HICs).

Population Distribution

• Population distribution:how people are spread out across a region or country

• Uneven globally.

• Influenced by:

  • Physical factors: climate, water supply, relief.

  • Human factors: job opportunities, infrastructure, historical development.

• Densely populated: an area where many

  people live (cities, river valleys)

• Sparsely populated: an area where population

  density is low (deserts, mountains)

Natural resources

• Natural resources: materials from the Earth used to meet human needs.

• Renewable: can replenish (solar, wind, water).

• Non-renewable: finite supply (fossil fuels, minerals).

• Fuel economies influence development levels