Population

1
Higher Geography
Population
2
Development Health
Differences in development
Regions
For Brazil or any other Developing country which
you have studied, suggest reasons why regional
variations in development exist
The south-east region of Brazil, by all
socio-economic indicators, is more developed
than the north and north-east regions.
South-east has a cooler, more hospitable climate
than other regions, encouraging migration to
the area. The north is dominated by the Amazon
Rainforest which hinders development by its poor
soils and inaccessibility.
North-east Region HDI 0.715
Until 1960, Rio de Janeiro was the capital. The
advantage of a sheltered natural harbour
encouraged trade, immigration, industry and, more
recently, tourism. This focussed a lot of
development there.
South-east Region HDI 0.820
3
Development Health
Differences in development
Regions
Fertile terra rossa soils around Sao Paulo
encouraged coffee growing- a valuable export
and major revenue earner.
South-east developed comprehensive a transport
system, encouraging further industrial growth
and migration - the multiplier effect.
Golden Triangle - Rio, Sao Paulo, Belo
Horizonte - now concentration of industry,
commerce, wealth, government aid and
international investment.
4
Development Health
Differences in development
Regions
North-east development hindered by periodic
droughts and few mineral and energy resources.
The North - Amazonia - hindered by peripheral
location, inhospitable rainforest environment,
poor soils, inaccessibility and lack of
government investment in basic services e.g.
health, electricity etc.
5
Development Health
Composite indicators
Model answer 3
With reference to named countries, explain why
indicators of development may fail to provide an
accurate representation of the true quality of
life within a country. (10 marks)
Socio-economic indicators are average figures for
a whole country, and do not reveal internal
variations. In India for example, there are great
differences between people due to rank or status
ethnic origins (are a factor in South Africa).
Religious group, political affiliation or
inheritance are other possible factors. In oil
rich countries such as Kuwaitor Saudi, the
differences in wealth are massive. The oil is
controlled by the ruling class (the oil sheiks).
Although the money is spent on health and
education, the GDP average is unrealistically
high for 95 of the population. Within Brazil
there are 'rich' and 'poor' areas, based on
differences in terms of climate, relief,
vegetation, soils and natural resources. The SE
has the resources, the NE is a poor drought-hit
area. Average indicators do not allow for
regional variations inside a big country. In many
ELDCs there is a big difference in wealth and
quality of life between the urban areas and the
rural villages and farms. India and China are 70
rural, with the wealth, jobs, best education
and higher quality of life concentrated in the
urban areas. Once again average indicators do not
take this into consideration.
6
Development Health
Composite indicators
Model answer 4
With reference to the table above a) In what
ways does the information given in the table
suggest that the five regions of Brazil are at
different levels of development.
(10 marks)
a) This is probably considered to be a
straightforward question. You can rank the
regions. The 'south-east' appears on all
indicators to be the 'richest' region in all four
categories, followed by the 'south'. Describe
what you see. State the basics. These two areas
are the most developed, with more wealth per
person and higher levels of education, health and
'quality of life'. The 'north-east' and 'north'
are the two poorest areas. The evidence is that
only 60 of the households in the 'north', have
mains electricity, and the average GNP wealth is
about a third of that of the richer 'southeast'.
There are very significant differences in access
to medical care and life expectancy.
7
Development Health
Composite indicators
Model answer 4
With reference to the table above b) For Brazil,
or any other ELDC which you have studied, suggest
reasons for such regional variations.
(10 marks)
b) The basic structure to the answer is contained
in the notes above. The south-east and the south
tend to have many positive factors that encourage
development. However the north and north-east
have many negative factors that discourage
development. Figure 14.3 illustrates some of
those points. However as far as Brazil is
concerned, there is a concentration of industry
and commerce in the urban areas of Sao Paulo and
Rio de Janeiro. The higher population density
figures in the south and south-east encouraged a
concentration of economic and social services.
The south and south-east have the best soils and
the most reliable climate. The north and
north-east have negative features in all of those
areas. The information clearly illustrates
regional variations.