Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between LEDC(S) countries. More than half the countries in the world are classed as being Economically Less Developed. However as we saw from last lesson there can be vast variations in the levels of development when these countries are compared with each other. There are many reasons for this. These can be split into the following headings; InfrastructureMarket Government Position Industry Climate

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. There are many reasons for contrasts in development between countries. On the following slides are some suggestions to explain these differences.

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. NICs Newly Industrialised Countries, is a term associated with countries of the Pacific Rim (Hong Kong, Taiwan, S. Korea and Singapore). Which have experienced significant levels of industrialisation recently. A NIC is defined as a country which the level of GDP from industry exceeds one third of the total GDP. Often these countries are referred to as the Tiger economies, many have considerable natural resources e.g. tin and rubber in Malaysia and coal, oil, natural gas and forest products in Indonesia. Others such as Singapore have no natural resources apart from it Harbour and geographical location. All the tiger economies have certain assets in common, these include a large flexible workforce, low cost of labour. This has allowed low skilled industries to develop like textiles, toys, plastics, leather goods and footwear.

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. NICs cont….. There has also been strong government intervention to encourage and support the development of manufacturing industries. This has encouraged Transnational Corporations like Nike, Reebok, who appreciate the low labour costs, reduced production costs and growing local markets.

Other countries are very poor like Ethiopia and Bangladesh, these low measurements of development results from; Vicious cycle of poverty Lack of industrial development, economy mainly based on subsistence agriculture. Natural Disasters (droughts/floods) causing crop destruction and food shortages and food shortages leading to Famine and Under nutrition. Civil wars and Government instability e.g. Sudan, Iraq. Endemic disease e.g. Malaria Rapid population growth diverts resources and makes it difficult to “improve quality of life” Many African countries are “land locked”. Other countries have economic strengths and resources –Oil producing countries e.g. Kuwait, earn high incomes Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries.

Take a blank map of the world and stick it onto an A3 sheet of paper using the information provided, annotate it to show why there are differences in the levels of development between less economically developed countries.

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. Large countries such as India and Brazil have many natural resources- farmland, minerals resources which can be developed. Other countries e.g. Chad and Somalia, possibly due to their size do not have these advantages. Many African countries have large debts to repay which limits development. E.g. Tanzania and Zambia. Colonial links e.g. some Caribbean countries receive support from western countries because of their former colonial ties. Strategic locations e.g. South Korea and central American countries receive additional resources for leasing land for military bases. Countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka actively encourage tourism which can bring in foreign currency and provide job opportunities.

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. Indicator (1994)South KoreaIndiaBrazil GNP per capita Life Expectancy Birth Rate IMR Study the Reference table above. 1In what ways do the data given in the table suggest that the three countries are a different levels of development. 8 marks 2Referring to countries listed in the table and/or to other countries in the developing world which you have studied, suggest reasons why such wide variations exist. 12 marks

Development and Health Aim- to be able to explain why there are differences in the levels of development between countries. Answers 1The countries look to be at different levels of development because they have very different development figures. For example S Korea’s GNP is double that of Brazil at $7670 and $3020 respectively, while India has a tiny GNP of $290. S Korea’s life expectancy is significantly higher than that of India with a massive 12 year difference and a six year difference between S Korea and Brazil. S Korea’s BR is almost half that of India’s at 15 and 29. Finally the IMR shows the greatest difference. S Korea’s IMR is a tiny 11 compared to the large figure of 74 for India and 58 for Brazil. 2Reasons why these differences exist are varied. Countries like S Korea are newly industrialised and due to their stable governments, large cheap flexible work forces have been able to attract TNCs like Nike and Reebok into ther countries. Many NICs have a rich natural resource base like Malaysia which has tin and rubber. Others like Signapore have a great Geographical position and natural harbour for trading. Some countries suffer from low levels of development due to natural disasters, like Ethiopia suffers from periodic droughts leading to crop failure, famine and malnutrition. Bangladesh suffers from flooding which destroys much of the infrastructure and disrupts food supplies. Other countries suffer from civil wars e.g. Sudan and Iraq, where money is diverted towards spending on weapons.