Distribution of LDCs and MDCs
Regions
• There are 9 geographical regions.
• 2 are considered more development: North
America and Europe.
• Latin America, East Asia, Central Asia, West
Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia are all
less developed.
• Reflects a global pattern.
Draw a line at 30 degrees north
latitude.
North America: 0.95
•
•
•
•
•
2009: Ranked 13th
Near the top for GDP and literacy rate
Lower in education and life expectancy.
What factors contribute to this?
N.A. highest percentage of tertiary sector
employees.
• World’s leading food exporter.
Europe 0.93
• Elimination of economic barriers has made it
the largest and richest market.
• Highest areas: western Germany, northeastern
France, northern Italy, Switzerland, southern
Scandanavia, southeastern U.K., Belgium,
Netherlands, Luxembourg.
• Southern and Eastern Europe are what brings
the HDI of Europe below that of North
America.
Russia 0.73
• Communism caused economic instability and
a sharp decline in HDI.
• In 2000 they experienced economic growth
fueled by production of oil.
Japan 0.96
• A 3rd area of high HDI despite having a high
ratio of population to resources.
• Asset: high number of people willing to work
hard for low wages.
• Gained their foothold in the world economy
selling low cost products, they began
manufacturing high quality, high value
products.
Oceania 0.90
• Have access to important minerals and food.
• Their economies are tied to Japan and other
Asian countries.
Latin America 0.82