Characteristics of Countries At Different Levels of Development (Copy)
11.4 Characteristics of Countries at Different Levels of Development
11.4.1 Population Growth and Structure
Measurement of Population Indicators:
- Birth rate: (Live births ÷ Total population) × 1,000.
- Death rate: (Deaths ÷ Total population) × 1,000.
- Infant mortality rate: (Deaths of infants <1 year ÷ Live births) × 1,000.
- Net migration: Immigration − Emigration (per 1,000 population).
Causes of Change:
- Birth rate: Affected by income levels, education (especially female), healthcare, cultural/religious factors, contraception availability.
- Death rate: Influenced by healthcare quality, nutrition, sanitation, conflict.
- Infant mortality: Linked to healthcare access, maternal health, nutrition.
- Net migration: Economic opportunities, political stability, environmental factors.
Optimum Population:
- Size of population that maximises living standards given resources and technology.
- Underpopulation → resources underused; Overpopulation → strain on resources.
Level of Urbanisation:
- Proportion of population living in urban areas.
- Higher in developed economies; rising rapidly in emerging economies.
11.4.2 Income Distribution
Gini Coefficient:
- Measures income inequality:
Gini = A ÷ (A + B)
Where A = area between Lorenz curve and line of equality, B = area under Lorenz curve. - Range: 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).
Lorenz Curve Analysis:
- Plots cumulative income share against cumulative population share.
- Further curve from line of equality → greater inequality.
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11.4.3 Economic Structure
Employment Composition:
| Level of Development | Primary Sector (Agriculture) | Secondary Sector (Industry) | Tertiary Sector (Services) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-income | High | Low | Very low |
| Middle-income | Medium | Higher industrial share | Growing services |
| High-income | Low | Medium/Low | High |
Pattern of Trade:
- Low-income: Export primary commodities, import manufactured goods.
- Middle-income: Increasing manufactured exports, diversified imports.
- High-income: Export high-value manufactured goods/services, import primary commodities.