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Understanding the Development Gap for GCSE Geography

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Emi

05/12/2025

Geography

The Development Gap

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5 Dec 2025

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Understanding the Development Gap for GCSE Geography

The development gap explores why some countries are incredibly wealthy... Show more

THE DEVELOPMENT GAP
DEVELOPMENT
the level of growth and improvement of a country, usually income and wealth.
→→→→However, other factors shou

Understanding Development and Global Inequalities

Ever wondered why life in Norway feels worlds apart from life in Niger? Development measures how much a country has grown and improved, looking beyond just money to include social, environmental, and political factors too.

The development gap represents the massive difference in living standards between the world's richest and poorest nations. It's like comparing a luxury mansion to a basic shelter - both provide homes, but the quality of life differs enormously.

We measure development using several key indicators. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) tracks goods and services within a country, while GNP includes overseas income too. The Human Development Index (HDI) ranks countries from 0 to 1, considering income inequality, education years, and life expectancy.

Quick Fact: Norway tops the HDI at 0.953, whilst Niger sits at just 0.354 - highlighting the stark development gap.

Other crucial measurements include GNI per capita (average earnings per person), poverty lines (people earning under $1.90 daily), life expectancy, literacy rates, and environmental factors like pollution levels. These paint a complete picture of how developed a country really is.

The most developed countries share common features: large economies, advanced technology, strong infrastructure, free education systems, and well-structured cities with reliable electricity, clean water, and transport links.

Population Changes and the Demographic Transition Model

Population patterns aren't random - they follow predictable stages as countries develop. The Demographic Transition Model shows how birth rates, death rates, and total population change over time through five distinct stages.

Stage 1 (High Fluctuating) sees high birth and death rates, so population grows slowly. Stage 2 (Early Expanding) brings falling death rates whilst birth rates remain high, causing rapid population growth as families can afford better food, water, and healthcare.

Stage 3 (Late Expanding) shows birth rates dropping rapidly whilst death rates continue falling more slowly. Stage 4 (Low Fluctuating) reaches low birth and death rates, with birth rates fluctuating based on economic conditions.

Real-World Connection: The UK followed this exact pattern during industrialisation, which is why the model describes what actually happened there.

Stage 5 (Natural Decrease) sees birth rates fall below death rates due to ageing populations, causing natural population decline. However, the model has limitations - it can't predict sudden changes like HIV/AIDS impacts in Southern Africa, and it's based on industrialised countries' experiences, making it less relevant for non-industrialised nations.



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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Geography

725

5 Dec 2025

1 page

Understanding the Development Gap for GCSE Geography

The development gap explores why some countries are incredibly wealthy whilst others struggle with extreme poverty. Understanding how we measure development and predict population changes is crucial for grasping global inequalities and their impacts on billions of people worldwide.

THE DEVELOPMENT GAP
DEVELOPMENT
the level of growth and improvement of a country, usually income and wealth.
→→→→However, other factors shou

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Understanding Development and Global Inequalities

Ever wondered why life in Norway feels worlds apart from life in Niger? Development measures how much a country has grown and improved, looking beyond just money to include social, environmental, and political factors too.

The development gap represents the massive difference in living standards between the world's richest and poorest nations. It's like comparing a luxury mansion to a basic shelter - both provide homes, but the quality of life differs enormously.

We measure development using several key indicators. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) tracks goods and services within a country, while GNP includes overseas income too. The Human Development Index (HDI) ranks countries from 0 to 1, considering income inequality, education years, and life expectancy.

Quick Fact: Norway tops the HDI at 0.953, whilst Niger sits at just 0.354 - highlighting the stark development gap.

Other crucial measurements include GNI per capita (average earnings per person), poverty lines (people earning under $1.90 daily), life expectancy, literacy rates, and environmental factors like pollution levels. These paint a complete picture of how developed a country really is.

The most developed countries share common features: large economies, advanced technology, strong infrastructure, free education systems, and well-structured cities with reliable electricity, clean water, and transport links.

Population Changes and the Demographic Transition Model

Population patterns aren't random - they follow predictable stages as countries develop. The Demographic Transition Model shows how birth rates, death rates, and total population change over time through five distinct stages.

Stage 1 (High Fluctuating) sees high birth and death rates, so population grows slowly. Stage 2 (Early Expanding) brings falling death rates whilst birth rates remain high, causing rapid population growth as families can afford better food, water, and healthcare.

Stage 3 (Late Expanding) shows birth rates dropping rapidly whilst death rates continue falling more slowly. Stage 4 (Low Fluctuating) reaches low birth and death rates, with birth rates fluctuating based on economic conditions.

Real-World Connection: The UK followed this exact pattern during industrialisation, which is why the model describes what actually happened there.

Stage 5 (Natural Decrease) sees birth rates fall below death rates due to ageing populations, causing natural population decline. However, the model has limitations - it can't predict sudden changes like HIV/AIDS impacts in Southern Africa, and it's based on industrialised countries' experiences, making it less relevant for non-industrialised nations.

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App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user