IGCSE Geography: Development

Introduction

• Study of development in geography focuses on comparing how developed countries are economically, socially, culturally, or technologically.
• Economic Development: Measures a country's wealth and its generation.
• Human Development: Measures access to wealth, jobs, education, nutrition, health, leisure, safety, and political and cultural freedom.

Key Concepts

• Standard of Living: Involves material elements such as wealth and nutrition.
• Quality of Life: Involves health and leisure.

Indicators of Development

Health

• Access to medical care and level of healthcare (basic vs. advanced).

Industry Types

• Primary Industries: Farming, fishing, mining.
• Secondary Industries: Manufacturing.
• Tertiary Industries: Banking, information technology.

Education

• Access to different levels of education (primary, secondary, further).

Economic Indicators

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total value of goods and services in a year.
• Gross National Product (GNP): Economic output including foreign investments.
• Per Capita Measures: GDP or GNP divided by the population.
• Economic Growth: Annual increase in GDP, GNP, GDP per capita, or GNP per capita.

Other Indicators

• Inequality of Wealth: Income gap between richest and poorest.
• Inflation: Annual increase in prices and wages.
• Unemployment: People unable to find work.
• Economic Structure: Division between primary, secondary, tertiary industries.
• Demographics: Population growth, birth/death rates, urban/rural ratios.

Human Development Indicators

• Life Expectancy: Average lifespan.
• Infant Mortality Rate: Deaths of infants per 1,000 live births.
• Poverty Indices: Percentage living below poverty line.
• Access to Basic Services: Clean water, sanitation.
• Access to Health Care: Doctor availability.
• Risk of Disease: Disease prevalence statistics.
• Access to Education: School attendance rates.
• Literacy Rate: Percentage of adults who can read/write.
• Access to Technology: Phones, internet access.
• Male/Female Equality: Literacy and employment comparisons.
• Government Spending Priorities: Health/education vs. military/debts.

Comparing Development

• Correlation Studies: Comparing GDP per capita with adult literacy rate.
• Development Indices: Measure performance according to indicators; can vary between countries.
• Example Comparisons:
  • Vietnam vs. Pakistan: Similar GDP, different literacy and life expectancy.
  • Saudi Arabia vs. Croatia: Similar GDP, different gender equality.

Limitations of Development Indices

• Averages may hide inequalities.
• Data can be outdated or difficult to collect.
• Some countries may not publish certain data.

Exam Tips

• Carefully read and analyze development indicators.
• Consider all data before drawing conclusions.

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