Factors Causing Uneven Development

Physical causes of uneven development GCSE Geography play a significant role in shaping a country's development trajectory. These factors include:

1. Poor climate: Extreme temperatures or dry conditions make crop cultivation challenging, leading to reduced agricultural output and lower income.
2. Poor farming land: Steep terrain or poor soil quality hinders agricultural productivity, resulting in fewer crops and less income for development.
3. Scarcity of raw materials: Countries with limited natural resources have fewer products to export, reducing potential income for development projects.
4. Natural disasters: Frequent natural hazards force countries to allocate resources to rebuilding efforts rather than development schemes.

Example: A country with a harsh desert climate may struggle to develop a robust agricultural sector, limiting its economic growth potential.

Economic causes of uneven development GCSE Geography further contribute to disparities between nations:

1. Poor trade links: Limited global trading connections restrict a country's ability to generate income through international commerce.
2. High debt levels: Developing nations often borrow money from wealthier countries, prioritizing debt repayment over development initiatives.
3. Primary product-based economy: Reliance on raw materials and agricultural products, which have lower value and price volatility, limits economic growth potential.

Vocabulary: Primary products are unprocessed or minimally processed goods, such as agricultural produce or raw materials.

Historical causes of uneven development have long-lasting impacts on a country's progress:

1. Colonization: Former colonies often start at a lower development level upon gaining independence, as colonizers extracted resources and hindered local economic growth.
2. Conflict: Wars, especially civil conflicts, impede development by diverting resources to military spending and damaging infrastructure.

Highlight: The legacy of colonization continues to affect many developing countries, as they struggle to overcome historical economic imbalances.