Factors in the Development of a Country
Introduction
A country's level of development is influenced by a number of interrelated factors. While it is difficult to separate these factors, they can be broken down into five major categories: historical, political, economic, social and environmental. Most developing nations of the world face development challenges as a result of a combination of these factors.
Some environmental factors which contribute to a country's level of development, such as natural disasters, are beyond human control. The majority of the development issues discussed in this chapter, however, have been created and continue due to the direct actions of humans. The very high rate and level of development experienced by most rich countries of the world is another factor which perpetuates many challenges faced by people in developing countries.
Historical factors that hinder development
Studying the past gives humans an enormous insight into the present. Using historical analysis in development geography helps to explain why many countries face development challenges, because a country's history is a huge contributing factor to its level of development.
Often, analysing a country's history will provide explanations for many of the political, economic, social and environmental factors that also contribute to its level of development. In developing countries of the world today, one of the most significant historical factors that has hindered development is colonisation.
What is colonisation?
Colonisation occurs when a country or group of people who wish to control 'new' territories form permanent settlements (or colonies) there. It usually involves the large-scale movement of people from the colonising power (also known as the mother or parent country) to the 'new' territory (the colony). Colonisation also usually involves the domination of the original inhabitants of the colony (the indigenous population).
See animation one
In most historical cases, colonisation
A country's level of development is influenced by a number of interrelated factors. While it is difficult to separate these factors, they can be broken down into five major categories: historical, political, economic, social and environmental. Most developing nations of the world face development challenges as a result of a combination of these factors.
Some environmental factors which contribute to a country's level of development, such as natural disasters, are beyond human control. The majority of the development issues discussed in this chapter, however, have been created and continue due to the direct actions of humans. The very high rate and level of development experienced by most rich countries of the world is another factor which perpetuates many challenges faced by people in developing countries.
Historical factors that hinder development
Studying the past gives humans an enormous insight into the present. Using historical analysis in development geography helps to explain why many countries face development challenges, because a country's history is a huge contributing factor to its level of development.
Often, analysing a country's history will provide explanations for many of the political, economic, social and environmental factors that also contribute to its level of development. In developing countries of the world today, one of the most significant historical factors that has hindered development is colonisation.
What is colonisation?
Colonisation occurs when a country or group of people who wish to control 'new' territories form permanent settlements (or colonies) there. It usually involves the large-scale movement of people from the colonising power (also known as the mother or parent country) to the 'new' territory (the colony). Colonisation also usually involves the domination of the original inhabitants of the colony (the indigenous population).
See animation one
In most historical cases, colonisation