Factors Affecting Development & Welfare (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

• All countries move through the different stages of development
• The UN identifies four main stages of development

Stages of Development

• The development gap is the difference in levels of development between the least developed and most developed countries in the world
• There are many factors which lead to the differences in development

Factors Affecting Development and Human Welfare

• Physical geography
  • Landlocked countries find trade more difficult and so often develop more slowly
  • Small countries develop more slowly due to having fewer human and natural resources
  • Those countries with extreme climates develop more slowly 
  • The physical geography also impacts on the natural resources available

• The natural resources are those things provided by the physical environment

• Some countries are able to meet all their needs from the natural resources they have
• Many countries have to import some natural resources are not available within their borders
• When countries have to import natural resources this means they do not have the security of supply as imports could be affected by war or political issues
• Water, food and energy security are particularly important to support a country's development

• Demography
  • The population structure of a country
  • The birth and death rates, as well as immigration, affect the available workforce
• Technology
  • Can help to increase water, food and energy security
  • Mechanisation of farming increases yields and improved land surveying may reveal more energy sources
  • Technology can also mean that existing resources are used more efficiently
• Social 
  • Levels of education affect the skills people have. The more educated a population is the more a country will develop
  • Healthcare affects how well people are which affects their ability to work
  • Lack of equality can mean that the overall productivity of a country is affected

• The stability and effectiveness of government can have a significant impact on development and human welfare
• Development and human welfare are greatest where there is a democratically elected government
• Corrupt governments do not invest in the country's development or in improving the quality of life for the population
• Governments impact economic policies which in turn affect development and human welfare
  • Open economies where foreign investment is encouraged to develop faster
  • The higher rates of saving and lower spending result in faster development