Development & Indicators
What does HDI stand for, and why is it better than using a single development indicator?
HDI stands for Human Development Index. It is better because it combines economic (GNI per capita), social (education levels), and health (life expectancy) indicators to provide a more complete measure of development.
How does colonialism still affect some countries today?
Many former colonies struggle with weak economies, unstable governments, and dependency on raw material exports because wealth was historically extracted by colonial powers.
What does a population pyramid show about a country’s development stage?
It shows the age and gender structure of a population, revealing birth rates, death rates, and economic dependency.
Name two strategies for reducing the development gap.
Investment (foreign businesses creating jobs) and Fair Trade (ensuring producers in LICs get fair wages).
What are the three types of development indicators? Give an example of each.
Economic (e.g., GNI per capita), Social (e.g., literacy rate).
Why do landlocked countries often struggle with economic development?
They lack access to seaborne trade, which is essential for global commerce, making imports and exports more expensive.
How does the Demographic Transition Model explain changes in birth and death rates?
As countries develop, death rates fall first due to better healthcare, followed by a decline in birth rates due to urbanization and education.
How can fair trade help LICs develop?
It ensures farmers and workers receive a fair price, improving their living standards and investing in community projects.
Explain why GDP per capita might not accurately represent a country’s development.
GDP per capita is an average and does not show income inequality. A country may have high GDP but a large gap between the rich and poor.
What is the impact of extreme weather on economic growth? Provide an example.
Extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes, droughts) destroys infrastructure, disrupts farming, and slows development. Example: Cyclones in Mozambique have caused economic setbacks.
What are the push and pull factors for international migration?
Push: Conflict, poverty, lack of jobs. Pull: Higher wages, better healthcare, safety.
Explain the multiplier effect in tourism with an example.
Tourism creates jobs, increasing income, which boosts spending in local businesses, leading to more growth. Example: Tourism in Jamaica supports hotels, transport, and food industries.
Why do some countries have a high GNI but poor social development indicators?
High GNI does not mean wealth is evenly distributed. Some countries prioritize economic growth over healthcare and education, leading to poor social outcomes.
How do trade inequalities prevent LICs from developing?
Rich countries pay low prices for raw materials from LICs, while LICs must import expensive manufactured goods, keeping them in a cycle of poverty.
How can migration benefit both the origin and destination countries?
Origin: Migrants send back remittances. Destination: Migrants fill labor shortages and contribute to the economy.
Why might tourism not be a sustainable long-term solution for development?
Tourism is seasonal, vulnerable to economic downturns, and can cause environmental damage.
What challenges might an NEE face as it develops?
Political instability, corruption, environmental issues, reliance on raw material exports, and rising inequality.
How does climate-related disease impact economic productivity in LICs?
Diseases like malaria reduce workforce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and hinder economic growth.
How does uneven development contribute to migration crises?
Poorer countries with fewer job opportunities push people to migrate, sometimes leading to border crises and political tensions in richer countries.
How can international aid help or hurt a country’s long-term economic growth?
Help: Provides essential resources like healthcare and education.
Hurt: Creates dependency, discouraging self-sufficiency.