Distribution of Resources SOL WG.9b

Resource Distribution Countries do not have the same types and amounts of resources. Here are some examples: A. Japan - A highly industrialized country despite its lack of natural resources. B. Russia - Many natural resources that are difficult to extract due to weather, distance, and lack of infrastructure.

Resource Distribution C. United States - Abundant natural resources, diversified economy, and specialized industries. D. Cote d’ Ivoire - Limited natural resources. Country must exchange cash crops for manufactured goods. E. Switzerland - Limited natural resources but the country has a global service industry.

Russia

Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire is the worlds largest producer of cocoa beans and a significant producer of coffee and palm oil. However, around 68% of the population works in agriculture. In comparison, about.6% of the labor force in the United States works in agriculture.

Switzerland Labor force by occupation in Switzerland: agriculture 4.6%, industry 26.3%, services 69.1% Switzerland has large banking and tourism industries

Effects of Unequal Distribution Since countries do not have all of the resources they need they usually specialize in goods and services that the country can market for a profit. Countries engage in exchange of goods and services. (sell what you can and buy what you can’t produce)

Comparative Advantage Comparative advantage is when a country exports goods and services that they can produce at a lower relative cost than other countries.

Why do Countries Trade? To import goods and services that you need To export goods and services that you can market for a profit