Resources and development

Definition

Resources and development describes the relationship between a region's natural, human, and capital resources and its level of economic growth. Access to resources like water, minerals, fertile land, and educated workers significantly influences whether a country develops economically.

Examples

  • Oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia used petroleum revenues to rapidly develop infrastructure
  • Japan, with few natural resources, developed through investment in human capital and technology
  • Sub-Saharan Africa has vast mineral wealth but faces development challenges due to infrastructure gaps and governance issues

Related Terms

Economic systems Global economy Human-environment interaction Comparative advantage

Study This Concept

Practice resources and development with free review games in these units:

World Geography Unit 5: Africa