Post on 23-Dec-2015
HIGH POINTS/LOW POINTS
• High Points: sizable & growing middle class with some in the upper class accumulating great wealth; world-class scientific & technological accomplishments; high-tech industries are an integral part of the global economy.
• Low Points: many social groups are cut off from the process of development; very high illiteracy rates; large & growing populations threatens resource base…
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Economic Development: Burdened by Poverty
• South Asian Poverty
• India has a growing middle class, and an upper class
– About 100 million Indians afford modern consumer goods
• More than 300 million Indian citizens are below their country’s poverty line, and Bangladesh is poorer
– Child labor dilemma
Geographies of Economic Development
• The Himalayan Countries
• Rugged terrain and isolation in Nepal and Bhutan are a disadvantage
• Bhutan has isolationist stance & has gone to a different measure of success (“GNH”)
• Nepal’s tourism has brought in $$ BUT also resulted in environmental degradation
Geographies of Economic Development– Bangladesh
• Poorest country in the region• Heavy reliance on production
of commercial crops (Jute and Rice)
• Environmental degradation has contributed to poverty
• Internationally competitive in textile and clothing manufacturing
– Pakistan• Inherited a reasonably well-
developed urban infrastructure• Agriculture, cotton, textile
industry are important• Less dynamic economy and
less potential for growth• Burdened by high levels of
defense spending & threat of Islamic extremism.
Geographies of Economic Development
• Sri Lanka and the Maldives
• Sri Lanka: second-most highly developed economy in region
– Exports of agricultural products (rubber and tea) and textiles
– Civil war has undercut economic progress
• Maldives is most prosperous country in region, based on per capita GDP…BUT…
– Small total economy
India’s Modern Economy• India’s Lesser
Developed Areas– India’s economy
dwarfs that of other South Asian countries
– Prosperous west and poorer east
– North India states economies are generally stagnate
– Caste tensions exist in these areas
India’s Modern Economy• India’s Centers of
Economic Growth– Punjab and Haryana are
showcase states of Green Revolution
– Western states are noted for their industrial and financial power
• Indian diaspora (migration of large numbers of Indians to foreign countries)
• Bangalore is a growing high-tech center
• 1990s: liberalization of the economy, regulations reduced
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: India vs. Pakistan
• Life Expectancy: About even at 60 for males & 61 for females;
• Under Age 5 Mortality: India is doing better (90) than Pakistan (126);
• Illiteracy Rate: India better BUT neither are good! India = 34% male & 62% female; Pakistan = 45% male & 71% female!
• Female Labor force: India 32%; Pakistan 28%
*Remember the presence of Islamic Fundamentalism impacts Pakistan’s stats where females are concerned…
Social Development ….
• SRI LANKA: according to your text, “Sri Lanka must be considered one of the world’s great success stories of social development.” Why?
• They have achieved significant health & educational gains DESPITE a lackluster economy & political instability! HOW?
• The Government funds universal primary education & healthcare. They have a well-educated, relatively healthy, slow growing population. This should help them to grow their economy if they can achieve & maintain political stability.