Africa, America, and Oceania: Key Characteristics & Development

General Africa: Key Characteristics

Africa is characterized by a small population, a high birth rate, and many underdeveloped countries. Key features include:

  • High infant mortality
  • Illiteracy
  • Low GDP
  • High level of external debt

North Africa

This region is slightly more developed.

Sub-Saharan Africa

It is the least developed region, with low life expectancy and very high infant mortality.

North Africa: Detailed Analysis

Population

A young population with a high birth rate. Many people emigrate to Europe.

Economy

Subsistence agriculture with low productivity and very little industry.

Culture and Society

A significant portion of the population lives in poverty. The main languages are Arabic, French, and Berber.

Political Systems

The main type of regime is the Islamic Republic.

Sub-Saharan Africa: Detailed Analysis

Population

Concentrated in rural villages, with limited work opportunities, leading to emigration to other cities.

Economics

Agricultural livelihoods with low productivity. Industrial production is focused on resource exploitation and is controlled by multinational companies.

Culture

Diverse cultures. Major languages include indigenous languages, English, and French.

Political Systems

Mainly republics, with frequent political changes.

America: Regional Development

  • North America: Canada, United States, and Mexico.
  • South and Central America: Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

North America is one of the most developed regions with a high standard of living. Many regions of Central and South America are developing countries with a very low standard of living.

North America: Detailed Analysis

Population

The US has a large population with a high rate of urbanization.

Economy

The US is the world’s leading economic power with advanced machinery. Canada is industrialized, but its economy is less powerful. Mexico has lower economic development.

Culture

The population of the US and Canada is primarily of European origin, with significant Latin American, African, and Asian influences.

Political Systems

Democratic political systems.

Oceania: Island Nations

Formed by the islands of Australia, New Zealand, and various Pacific Islands.

  • Oceania is a small and sparsely populated continent.
  • Australia and New Zealand are developed countries.
  • The Pacific Islands are less developed.

Australia and New Zealand: Detailed Analysis

Population

Low vegetative growth and high life expectancy.

Economics

Rich in minerals, with commercial agriculture and a developed industry.

Culture

The majority of the population is of British origin, with English as the primary language.

Political System

Parliamentary democracies.

Globalization: Advantages and Disadvantages

Globalization is supported by organizations like the WTO, MFI, G8, and G20, which are comprised of industrialized countries. It extends the market economy and benefits countries and individuals by increasing the supply of goods and services. It is facilitated by the internet and communication systems, leading to greater cooperation between governments and institutions to solve problems, and the transmission of data provides information.

However, in recent decades, an anti-globalization movement has emerged, arguing that it imposes a capitalist economic model. Decisions affecting national economies are not made by the governments of each country, and the most powerful countries impose their language, culture, and customs.