Uneven Development: Patterns
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 8.2.2
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Uneven Development: Patterns
Which of these is an example of an MIC?
Choose the correct statements.