8.2.2

Uneven Development: Patterns

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The World is Developing Unevenly

Countries have different income levels. We group them as LICs (low-income countries), MICs (middle-income countries), and HICs (high-income countries). These groups are spread unevenly across the globe.

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Types of countries by income

  • Countries are grouped by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
  • LICs (Low-Income Countries): GNI per person is less than $1,135.
  • MICs (Middle-Income Countries): GNI per person is $1,136–$13,845.
    • MICs are home to 75% of the world’s population and 62% of the world’s poor.
  • HICs (High-Income Countries): GNI per person is above $13,845.
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Distribution

  • There are approximately 28 Low-Income Countries (LICs).
    • Examples: Somalia and Nepal
  • There are around 107 Middle-Income Countries (MICs).
    • Examples: India, Brazil, and Vietnam
  • There are around 83 High-Income Countries (HICs),
    • Examples: UK, USA, and Japan
Illustrative background for Geographic Distribution of LICsIllustrative background for Geographic Distribution of LICs ?? "content

Geographic Distribution of LICs

  • Most LICs are in Africa (e.g. Chad, Ethiopia) and parts of Asia (e.g. Afghanistan).
  • LICs often have limited infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
  • Many LICs rely on farming and raw material exports.
  • Population growth tends to be high.
Illustrative background for Geographic Distribution of MICsIllustrative background for Geographic Distribution of MICs ?? "content

Geographic Distribution of MICs

  • Found in Latin America (e.g. Mexico), Asia (e.g. Indonesia), and Eastern Europe (e.g. Ukraine).
  • Many are rapidly urbanising and industrialising.
  • MICs often see improving healthcare and education.
  • Some MICs still face big wealth gaps between rich and poor.
Illustrative background for Geographic Distribution of HICsIllustrative background for Geographic Distribution of HICs ?? "content

Geographic Distribution of HICs

  • Most are in North America, Western Europe, Japan, and Australasia (e.g. Australia).
  • HICs have advanced technology, good infrastructure, and high living standards.
  • Economies are usually diverse: services, industry, and finance.
  • Some inequality exists, but average incomes are high.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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