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Uneven development: patterns and consequences
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The gap between the richest and poorest places is huge, between countries and inside them.
Global and UK patterns
Most high-income countries are in North America, Europe, East Asia and Australasia; many low-income countries are in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
There are big differences within countries too. In the UK, London and the south east are generally wealthier than many parts of the north, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There are big differences within countries too. In the UK, London and the south east are generally wealthier than many parts of the north, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Why development is uneven
Physical: being landlocked, a harsh climate, natural hazards, or diseases such as malaria.
Historic: colonialism took resources and set up economies based on exporting raw materials.
Economic: relying on low-value primary products, unfair trade, and debt.
Within the UK: the decline of coal, steel and shipbuilding hit the north harder, while finance and services grew in London.
Historic: colonialism took resources and set up economies based on exporting raw materials.
Economic: relying on low-value primary products, unfair trade, and debt.
Within the UK: the decline of coal, steel and shipbuilding hit the north harder, while finance and services grew in London.
Consequences for quality of life
Uneven development affects access to housing, healthcare, education, employment and technology, and food and water security.
People in the poorest places are more likely to lack clean water, go hungry and die young.
People in the poorest places are more likely to lack clean water, go hungry and die young.
Explain how being landlocked can slow a country's development.
- Without a coastline, it has no seaports.
- Goods must travel through neighbouring countries, adding cost and delay.
- This makes trade harder and less profitable.
Answer: Trade is more expensive and difficult without ports.
Development is uneven between and within countries, including the UK. Causes are physical (landlocked, climate, hazards, disease), historic (colonialism) and economic (primary products, trade, debt). Consequences include poorer housing, health, education, jobs, technology and food and water security.
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