Population Higher Geography
Development & Health “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. Differences in developmentRegions 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: North-east Region : HDI: 0.715
Development & Health 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. Differences in developmentRegions
Development & Health 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. Differences in developmentRegions
Development & HealthComposite indicatorsModel 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.
Development & HealthComposite indicatorsModel 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.
Development & HealthComposite indicatorsModel 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.