Characteristics of Countries at Different Levels of Development
34 questions· page 1 of 4
Explain how China’s population structure changed between 1970 and 2020 and consider whether the statement ‘its population is decreasing’ is supported by Fig. 1.1.
Identify two observations economists have made about changes in China’s population and analyse how these changes would affect GDP.
China’s government has a different view from what it says are the alarming statements made by economists. Consider the effects on the economy of the population policies suggested by China’s government.
Many developing countries rely heavily on the production and export of primary products. This is the main cause of low levels of economic growth in developing countries and therefore the main explanation for the low standard of living in these countries.
Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.
Developing economies have a high proportion of economically inactive people relative to the size of the labour force (a high dependency ratio). This is the main reason why the standard of living is low in developing economies.
Evaluate this statement.
Distinguish between productivity and the level of production and discuss why productivity is likely to be lower in a developing economy than in a developed economy.
‘Rising population levels in a developing economy create many problems while falling population levels in a developed economy cause even greater problems.’
To what extent do you think this is a true statement?
‘Both developed and developing economies can experience high levels of unemployment, high rates of inflation and large current account deficits. Therefore there is now no real difference between these two types of economy’.
How far would you agree with the view that this statement is misleading?
How might the employment composition and age structure of a developing country differ from those of a developed country?
Apart from the employment composition and age structure, discuss what changes are likely to occur in a developing country if it progresses towards developed status. Consider whether these changes are always beneficial.
‘The measurement of living standards is problematic. It is never certain that people in one country are better off than those in another. The classification of countries into developing and developed is, therefore, never clear.’
Do you agree with this argument?
'Labour is a resource; the use of resources increases economic wellbeing. The main aim of the government of a developing country keen to increase wellbeing should, therefore, be to support an increase in the population of its country.'
Discuss this argument and decide whether you agree with it.
‘People in developed countries suffer from pollution and overcrowding. However, people in developing countries suffer from malnutrition and poverty.’
Discuss whether it is correct to distinguish between developed and developing countries in this way and consider how living standards can be compared between the two types of country.