Why does development vary among countries? (9.1)
What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?
HDI measures a country's level of development based on a decent standard of living, a long and healthy life, and access to knowledge.
What does a Gender Inequality Index (GII) score of 0 mean?
A GII score of 0 means that men and women are treated equally.
What are the three main fossil fuels?
Coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
What does the term "microfinance" refer to?
Small loans provided to individuals or small businesses in developing countries that lack access to traditional banking services.
What is the difference between developed and developing countries in terms of access to knowledge?
Developed countries have higher literacy rates and longer average years of schooling compared to developing countries.
What are the three main factors used to calculate the Gender Inequality Index (GII)?
The GII is calculated using empowerment, labor, and reproductive health.
Which two countries consume the most energy in the world?
The United States and China.
What is the primary goal of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals?
To reduce disparities between developed and developing countries by focusing on issues like poverty, education, health, and sustainability.
How does the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita differ between developed and developing countries?
Developed countries have a higher GNI per capita because they produce more goods and services and often have stronger international trade and investments.
Why is the female labor force participation rate higher in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to Southwest Asia and North Africa?
In Sub-Saharan Africa, women often work in agriculture to support large families, whereas in Southwest Asia and North Africa, cultural and social norms, along with limited access to education, restrict women's participation in the labor force.
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are unlimited and can replenish naturally (e.g., solar, wind, and hydroelectric), whereas non-renewable energy sources are finite and take millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels.
What are some criticisms of structural adjustment programs implemented in developing countries?
Critics argue that these programs often lead to increased poverty, cuts in health and education spending, higher unemployment, and less support for the poor.
Why does the Gender Inequality Index (GII) tend to be higher in developing countries? (Give one reason)
Developing countries often face challenges such as limited access to education for women, lower female participation in the labor force, and cultural barriers that restrict gender equality.
What factors contribute to the high adolescent fertility rate in developing countries?
The high adolescent fertility rate in developing countries is due to inequality, lack of education about pregnancy and contraception, cultural norms prioritizing early childbirth, and limited access to healthcare and birth control.
What is OPEC, and why was it significant in the 1973 oil crisis?
OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, controls oil supply and pricing. During the 1973 oil crisis, OPEC boycotted oil exports to nations supporting Israel, like the U.S. causing shortages and price spikes.
According to Wallerstein's World Systems Theory, how do core countries benefit at the expense of periphery countries?
Core countries exploit periphery countries by extracting resources, labor, and wealth, creating uneven development and economic dependency.
Why is HDI considered an incomplete measure of development, and what additional factors could provide a more accurate assessment? (Give two reasons)
HDI does not account for inequality, environmental sustainability, political stability, or cultural aspects. Incorporating measures like inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) or ecological footprints could provide a more holistic view of development
Why has the Gender Inequality Index (GII) increased in the United States despite improvements in other regions?
The GII in the United States has increased due to a rise in the maternal mortality rate and a low percentage of women in national legislature, which indicates unequal healthcare access and limited political empowerment for women.
What are the estimated remaining years of proven reserves for coal, natural gas, and petroleum at current demand levels?
Coal: 131 years
Natural gas: 49 years
Petroleum: 43 years
How does the use of a shared currency like the Euro create challenges for countries with weaker economies within the European Union?
Countries with weaker economies, like Italy, cannot reduce their currency to compete with stronger economies, such as Germany, leading to economic struggles and dependence on richer EU nations.