College

The aim of this activity is to examine the characteristics of three countries from different parts of the world, identify similarities and differences in the challenges they face, and evaluate the relevance of the Rostow model of development to these countries. One country will be from Africa, one from South America, and one from Asia.

Below is a series of data relating to the three countries:

[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{|l|l|l|l|l|l|l|}
\hline
\text{Country} & \begin{array}{l}
\text{GDP} \\
\text{per} \\
\text{capita} \\
(\$)
\end{array} & \text{Population}(\text{Million}) & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Sector} \\
\text{composition} \\
(\text{Agriculture:} \\
\text{Industry:} \\
\text{Services})
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Labor force} \\
\text{by} \\
\text{occupation}
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Infant} \\
\text{mortality} \\
(\text{Deaths} \\
\text{per 1000} \\
\text{live births})
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Life} \\
\text{expectancy} \\
(\text{average})
\end{array} \\
\hline
\text{Bangladesh} & 1,900 & 141.3 & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Agriculture} \\
63\% \\
\text{Industry} \\
11\% \\
\text{Services} \\
26\%
\end{array} & 64.32 & 61 & 72.49 \\
\hline
\text{Djibouti} & 1,300 & 0.467 & \begin{array}{l}
21.7: 26.6: \\
51.7
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
2.5: 15.8: \\
80.7
\end{array} & \text{N/A} & 64.94 \\
\hline
\text{Guatemala} & 4,100 & 14.2 & \begin{array}{l}
\text{Agriculture} \\
50\% \\
\text{Industry} \\
15\% \\
\text{Services} \\
35\%
\end{array} & 36.91 & 58.5 & 73.61 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

Source of data: CIA World Factbook

Questions:

1. Using the data above, what stage in the Rostow model would you classify each of the three countries, and why?

2. From the data given, what would you consider to be the key factors preventing further development of the three economies?

3. Considering the data given, what other features of each country might you expect to see that could limit the potential for growth?

4. To what extent are these factors able to be controlled or influenced by internal or external bodies such as governments or international agencies, e.g., the World Bank?

5. What would you consider to be the common factors that limit the potential for development of each country?

6. To what extent do the countries concerned differ in the difficulties they face in developing?

Answer :

Let's explore the questions step-by-step, using the information we have about the three countries: Bangladesh, Djibouti, and Guatemala.

### 1. Classification Using the Rostow Model

The Rostow model of development outlines stages that a country typically goes through during economic development. Here's how each country is classified based on the data provided:

- Bangladesh: Classified as a "Traditional Society." This is because over 50% of its economy is based on agriculture, which indicates that it is still largely rural and has not moved strongly towards industrialization or services.

- Djibouti: Classified as in the "Age of High Mass Consumption." Despite low GDP per capita figures that might suggest otherwise, the Service sector is dominant, indicating that Djibouti has a higher focus on consumer goods and services. However, the classification might need reconsideration given the GDP, hinting at more nuanced realities.

- Guatemala: Also classified under the "Age of High Mass Consumption." This is due to its GDP per capita and service-oriented economy, which is historically characterized by increased focus on producing consumer goods and using modern technical and industrial capabilities.

### 2. Key Factors Preventing Further Development

For each country, some preventable factors for development are:

- Bangladesh:
- Low GDP per capita: This indicates a slow economic growth rate and low national productivity.
- High dependence on agriculture: This can lead to vulnerabilities due to factors like fluctuating weather and prices.
- High infant mortality rate: This reflects health infrastructure issues that need addressing, impacting workforce potential.

- Djibouti:
- Low GDP per capita: Slower economic growth and productivity despite advanced services.
- Lack of specific data in other areas to make further conclusions.

- Guatemala:
- While no specific inhibitive factors were noted based on the data, it's important to consider potential socio-political challenges that could arise from similar economic conditions faced historically.

### 3. Features Limiting Potential for Growth

Additional factors one might expect to observe include:

- Chronic political instability: This hinders steady economic growth.
- Corruption and lack of transparency: These can stunt business development and foreign investments.
- Inadequate educational infrastructure: This limits the development of skilled labor essential for industrial growth.

### 4. Influence of Internal or External Bodies

Factors affecting these economies can be influenced by:

- Internal governments: Implement policies focusing on industrialization, improving education and health services.
- External bodies like World Bank: They can assist through investments, projects for infrastructure, health, and education, and providing policy advice to bolster development.

### 5. Common Factors Limiting Development Potential

Across these countries, common limitations include:

- Economic dependence on limited sectors: Heavy reliance on agriculture in economies like Bangladesh suggests vulnerability.
- Low GDP per capita: Indicates financial constraints, likely affecting all three countries.
- Health issues: Issues like high infant mortality reflect on overall productivity and living standards.

### 6. Differences in Developmental Difficulties

The countries differ in their challenges primarily due to:

- Economic structure and diversity: Variance in sectoral contributions to GDP influences the development trajectory.
- Geopolitical standing: Different levels of political stability and regional security concerns affect economic decisions.
- Social indicators: Health and education disparities significantly shape economic growth and national productivity.

In summary, while these countries face shared challenges that affect their development, the specific contexts and internal and external influences differentiate their paths and strategies for growth.