Why is the Northern Part of the World More Developed Than the Southern Part?
The question of why the northern part of the world is more developed than the southern part is multifaceted and rooted in historical, climatic, and geographical factors. Let us delve into the complexities that contribute to the development disparities between regions.
Geographical Advantages and Early Agricultural Advancements
The fundamental roots of the north's greater development can be traced back to the Fertile Crescent in southwest Asia, which was nearest to southern Europe. This region had the best mix of natural crops suitable for domestication and had 13 out of the 14 big mammals capable of being domesticated for food, milk, fiber, mobility (for warfare and transportation), and ploughing. These unique circumstances provided a significant head start for human transition from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers.
The strengths of the Fertile Crescent in natural resources and domestication drove a westward and somewhat eastward spread of agricultural techniques, primarily due to favorable geographic and climatic conditions. However, the spread southwards was limited, leading to varying levels of development across different regions.
Economic and Demographic Factors
It is not accurate to generalize all northern countries as more developed simply based on their geographical location. Most of the richest countries are indeed located in the Northern Hemisphere, with notable exceptions like Russia. However, some of the poorest countries in the world, such as Mali, Guinea Bissau, Chad, Ethiopia, Yemen, Nepal, Cambodia, and Haiti, are also found in the Northern Hemisphere. Conversely, most of the wealthy countries in the Southern Hemisphere are middle-income countries, which indicates a more diversified economic landscape.
The population distribution plays a significant role as well. More people reside in the Northern Hemisphere, and a larger portion of this land area is found in colder regions, which necessitate more intensive infrastructure development for survival and economic activities. Temperature has a profound impact on development as it shapes the type and amount of infrastructure required by different regions.
Geographical Landmass and Economic Opportunities
A globe or world map clearly reveals that approximately two-thirds of the world's landmass lies north of the equator. This geographical dominance explains the prevalence of more developed countries in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it is important to acknowledge that there are still several underdeveloped countries in this region, such as Russia, which has vast areas of underdeveloped land despite its wealth in natural resources.
Conclusion and Further Research
The northern part of the world's development advantage is not absolute but is influenced by a combination of long-standing historical, climatic, and geographical factors. While the Fertile Crescent provided a crucial head start in early agricultural advancements, modern development disparities are more complex, involving economic policies, political stability, and technological access.
Understanding these geographic determinants is crucial for policymakers and development experts to address the underlying causes of development disparities and work towards more equitable and sustainable development across the globe.
Keywords: development, north-south divide, geographical determinants