Higher Geography
Population
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.
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.
North-east Region :
HDI: 0.715
South-east Region :
HDI: 0.820
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.