Measures of Development

Isabella Hernandez
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Human Geography study guide covers measuring development using economic indicators (GDP, GNI, trade deficits), social indicators (fertility rates, infant mortality, healthcare access, life expectancy, literacy rates), and the Gender Development Index (GDI). It explains the difference between formal and informal economies, and provides practice questions and FRQs focused on analyzing these concepts.
#AP Human Geography: Ultimate Development Review 🌍
Hey there, future geographers! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Human Geography exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. Let’s dive in!
#1. Measuring Development: A Quick Overview 📊
Development isn't just about money; it's about how well people live. Here are the key measures you need to know:
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Economic Measures:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita: Total value of goods and services produced in a country, divided by its population. Think average income.
- Gross National Income (GNI): GDP + (Exports - Imports). A more accurate measure of a country's economic volume because it accounts for international trade.
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Social Measures:
- Human Development Index (HDI): A composite score based on life expectancy, education, and income. It's a broad look at how well people are doing.
- Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Looks at poverty through health, education, and living standards.
- Gender Development Index (GDI): Measures gender inequalities in life expectancy, education, and income.
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Environmental Measures:
- Environmental Performance Index (EPI): Assesses a country's environmental health and sustainability.
Remember: Development is complex. No single measure tells the whole story. Use these measures together for a full picture.
#2. Diving Deeper into Economic Measures 💰
#Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Definition: The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a year.
- Formula: GDP = Goods + Services.
- What it tells us: The total size of a country's economy.
#Gross National Income (GNI)
- Definition: The total monetary value of a country's GDP plus its net income from abroad (exports minus imports).
- Formula: GNI = GDP + (Exports - Imports)
- Why it matters: GNI is often considered a more accurate measure than GDP because it accounts for international trade.
Think of GDP as what's made inside a country, and GNI as what's made plus what's earned from international trade.
#Per Capita Calculations
- Definition: Dividing a total value by the population to get an average per person.
- Why use it? To compare coun...

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