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How did the development gap grow? - Coggle Diagram
How did the development gap grow?
What has kept the gap from closing?
Relying on too few exports
Many poor countries rely on selling just one or two cash crops to earn money
Prices for cash crops, like cocoa, can rise and fall with supply and demand
Conflict and corruption
Countries that are peaceful, with stable governments and good legal systems are better able to develop
Many poor countries do not have stable governments
Many poor countries are in conflict within (civil war) or with neighbouring countries
Politicians are sometimes corrupt and so take bribes or steal money that should be used on development
Lack of industry
You can usually earn more money by selling factory goods than crops and raw materials
Poor countries often get low prices for their exports, but the companies who buy them turn them into products they sell for a good profit.
Historical reasons
The Industrial Revolution (from 1750) gave Britain and then other European countries a big boost in wealth and development
Europeans began to trade with other parts of the world for resources they wanted, like gold, tobacco, spices, and in some places, slaves
Over time European countries started to take over the places they traded with, creating big empires. Each part was called a colony. Their resources and labour made Europe rich.
Most colonies got their independence after WWII. However, they were left with few roads, schools, hospitals or skills.
Geographical reasons
Some countries are landlocked, which makes trade difficult and expensive
Many poor countries have poor soil and few natural resources
Other countries have rich soil and a good climate for farming, along with natural resource like oil and metal ores that other countries want to buy
There are some countries that get rich because of their location. Singapore sits on one of the world's busiest trade routes and makes money from trading.
Health and education
Poor countries have lots of intelligent young people, but many don't get a good education.
Diseases like malaria, TB and AIDS are common in many poor countries. People who are sick and underfed cannot work.
Poor people spend most of their energy on finding food, water and firewood.