DEVELOPMENT GEOGRAPHY

Until recently, differences in development provided a basis to distinguish two groups of countries:

• high-development countries, also called developed, wealthy, central, or northern countries; 
• and low-development countries, also known as underdeveloped, poor, peripheral or southern countries. 

Today, the situation is more complex, due to the extraordinary economic growth of emerging countries. These are developing countries that have become leading global economies and increased their level of human development.

High-development countries: They have advanced economic, social, political and environmental features:

• High GDP per inhabitant, based on advanced economic activities, technology, information and communication. There is also widespread goods consumption. 
• There is an extensive middle class. The majority of the population have access to essential services, such as education and health care. 
• Consolidated democratic political systems. Rights and freedoms are respected and the population has political freedom. 
• Major carbon footprint. However, there is currently a growing concern about the environment.

This group includes the United States, Canada, the majority of the European Union, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Low-development countries: They suffer from serious economic, social, political and environmental shortages:

• Low GDP per inhabitant, based on traditional economic activities and the population’s limited spending power. 
• Social inequalities are clearly defined. Wealth is controlled by a small minority; in contrast, the basic needs of the majority of the population are not covered. 
• Authoritarian political systems are frequently encountered. These do not usually respect rights and freedoms, while corruption is commonplace. 
• Minor carbon footprint, although it is currently tending to increase.

This group includes the majority of Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Emerging countries: Their economy has undergone a rapid growth. Their most significant characteristics are:

• Modest GDP per inhabitant, based on the export of cheap merchandise and an abundant labour force. Their low salaries mean that most of the population has moderate purchasing power. 
• Their middle class has grown in recent years, but there are still major contrasts in social welfare. 
• Recently established democratic systems. At times their respect for rights and freedoms is limited. 
• Increasing carbon footprint due to accelerated growth. 

This group includes the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), Mexico and Argentina, the so-called New Industrial Countries (Singapore, South Korea), and some African and Middle Eastern countries.