The Following Summary Provides Information To Help Interpret

The Following Summary Provides Information To Help Interpret the Data

The following summary provides information to help interpret the data you collected for the country you were assigned. GEOGRAPHY Landlocked countries are at a disadvantage because there is no direct access to the ocean. Transportation costs are higher and the countries surrounding them will want to charge money for the landlocked country to import or export goods. Climate can pose a problem for agriculture (extensive forms have low yields per land area): · Too dry only extensive agriculture can be practiced · Too cold and or dry – extensive · Too wet (tropical rainforest) – extensive · Tropical Climates also have more potential for chronic diseases Mountainous Terrain can pose a problem for agriculture (colder temperatures and terracing) and also make the construction of transportation facilities (Roads, Railroads, and airports) more difficult and expensive.

Arable Land: less than 5%; could be a hurdle, 5 – 10% could be OK, over 10% should not be a problem. The shape of your country can have an effect on the politics. Elongated, fragmented, and prorupted shapes can make communication and effective political control difficult. Compact states are easier to keep control of and defend from outside or internal enemies. DEMOGRAPHICS Over 50% of people engaged in agriculture indicates a poor country with a subsistence economy.

Over 40% of the population 15 or under = dependents who are not yet working and need food, medical care, housing, and education. Money spent that is not available for other investments is a problem in poor countries. Many countries have gone into crippling debt to try to provide these services, but had to cut back because of SAPs. A high incidence of HIV can be a drag on the economy and the social structure. People living with HIV (or other endemic diseases) will not be as productive.

The orphans left behind by HIV victims will need to be taken care of. Elevated rates of Infant Mortality may indicate a healthcare system that is underfunded and is not functioning very well. A primate city is when there is one very large (at least twice or more, larger than the 2nd largest city) and very important city in a country. A TFR over 4 indicates a society engaged in agriculture. A TFR between 2.5 and 4 indicates a possible transition away from agriculture.

When a poor country has a TFR of below 2.5 it may indicate disruption (war, famine, political and economic unrest). It could be a hurdle to further economic development when there are a large number of different ethnic groups and languages spoken (religions also). This may cause centrifugal forces which can lead to political disruption (see below). Outside investors (banks and global corporations) are reluctant to invest in countries that have political unrest and this can be a hurdle to a better economy. POLITICS Political disruption may occur when there are a large number of different ethnic groups and languages spoken.

Conflict can also occur between different religions. This may cause centrifugal forces and each group will fight for power. Trying to bring democracy to places like this will be difficult. The presence of a “minority elite” , an ethnic group from outside the country that has powerful economic influence can also be disruptive to the political process. In African Countries you should try to find out if there are any White Europeans (former colonists), Hindus (from India), Lebanese, and/or Syrians.

You should note the presence or absence of any of these groups in your country. Their presence may indicate that there is a minority elite who may control a large percentage of the economy. Core-Periphery One way to look at development is to look at the history of a place. Core-periphery models are based on the observation within many spatial systems sharp territorial contrasts exist in wealth, economic advancement, and growth between economic heartlands (urban cores) and outlying subordinate zones (periphery). The growth of the core is at the expense of the periphery.

There are three stages to the core periphery model which correspond to the three designations offered below related to levels of economic development. We can break the countries of the world down into 3 groups: · Least Developed = Stage 1 · Developing = Stage 2 · Most Developed = Stage 3 Stage #1 On the international scene, core-periphery contrasts are discerned between prosperous core areas (U.S., Western Europe, and Japan) and the least developed periphery. The least developed areas provide the raw materials (at low prices set by the markets in the core countries) and the core areas produce the finished goods which have much higher profit margins. This is an example of circular and cumulative causation and describes Stage #1 of the Core-Periphery Model on a global scale.

In many cases the least developed countries of the world are former colonies which were used to extract raw materials for the industrialized countries of the world while under the rule of the colonial power. While almost all of these former colonies are now self ruled they still provide the raw materials to the developed part of the world – thus the term neocolonialism. Stage #2 Stage 2 is called the trickle-down or spread effect stage. As regions reach higher levels of economic development the benefits (innovations, capital) of the core spread out (trickle-down) or diffuse into the periphery. The spread of benefits (investments) is based on locational decisions that will earn more money for the core.

It may be to save costs based on transportation of raw materials, but in most current situations it is to take advantage of low cost labor found in least developed and developing countries. Once industry is established it allows some countries to move to Stage #2 and become a developing country. Stage #3 Once the spread effects have taken hold wages rise and more people can afford more consumer goods until a point is reached when you have a fully functional and prosperous economy. Places like the U.S., Canada, Japan, Western Europe, and Australia have reached stage 3 and are now the global core. Most of these countries were able to move to fully integrated economies after massive government investments in infrastructure (electricity, water, sewage), transportation (highways and airports) and military (bases, science and technology). In the U.S. these huge investments started during the 1930s depression.

Paper For Above instruction

The country selected for this analysis is Namibia, a southern African nation characterized by a complex blend of geographic, demographic, and political factors that influence its development trajectory. Namibia's geographic positioning as a largely landlocked country presents unique challenges for trade and economic growth. Its arid climate, extensive desert regions, and mountainous terrain impact agricultural productivity and infrastructure development. Demographically, Namibia exhibits a youthful population with high fertility rates, significant HIV prevalence, and diverse ethnic compositions, which collectively shape social and economic dynamics.

Historical Background

Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa, was inhabited by indigenous Khoisan and Bantu-speaking peoples for centuries. During the late 19th century, it became a German colony and was administered as German South West Africa until World War I, when it was mandated to South Africa under a League of Nations mandate. The struggle for independence intensified after World War II, culminating in Namibia's liberation in 1990. Since independence, Namibia has adopted a democratic government with a multi-party political system, emphasizing stability and development despite ongoing socio-economic challenges.

Demographics and Population Analysis

Namibia's population pyramid indicates a youthful population, with a significant proportion under 15 years of age, reflecting high fertility rates characteristic of stage 2 of the demographic transition model. The fertility rate exceeds 4 children per woman, conveying a society still primarily engaged in agriculture and reliant on high birth rates to sustain population growth. Infant mortality remains relatively high compared to developed nations, suggesting deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure and access. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is around 13%, one of the highest in the world, profoundly affecting productivity and social stability. The disease leads to orphaned children and increased healthcare burdens, constraining economic development and social progress.

Urban Centers and Population Distribution

The capital city of Windhoek has a population of approximately 390,000 and exhibits characteristics of a primate city, being significantly larger and more developed than other urban centers. Windhoek's dominance denotes urban primacy, which can centralize resources and administration but also risk geographic and developmental disparities. Other major cities include Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, powerful regional hubs but smaller in comparison, emphasizing Namibia's concentration of economic activities in a few urban areas.

Political and Ethnic Landscape

Namibia is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Damara, and Nama. The Ovambo constitute the largest majority, influencing political dynamics and resource distribution. The presence of diverse ethnic and linguistic groups introduces potential centrifugal political forces; however, Namibia's post-independence government has maintained relative stability through inclusive governance. Web of political interactions is further complicated by historical legacies and land-ownership patterns. Outside minority groups, including some South Africans and Europeans, control a significant share of the economy, which influences social stratification and economic policies.

Geography's Impact on Politics and Development

Namibia's elongated shape and vast land area with sparse population density complicate transportation and administrative control. Physical geography, featuring deserts like the Namib and rugged mountains, obstructs infrastructure development. The limited arable land, constituting less than 5% of total territory, restricts agricultural expansion. These geographic realities impose substantial hurdles on economic growth, particularly in connecting peripheral rural communities with urban centers, exacerbating regional inequalities.

Economic Development and Core-Periphery Position

Namibia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is approximately $5,300, significantly lower than the United States, which exceeds $60,000. The economy relies heavily on mineral exports, including uranium, diamonds, and copper, making it vulnerable to international market fluctuations. The country’s development status aligns with Stage 2 of the core-periphery model—developing country—due to its dependence on resource extraction and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure. Investment in infrastructure, diversification of the economy, and social services are vital for progression towards a more developed status, akin to Stage 3. The challenge remains in overcoming geographic, health, and social hurdles that inhibit comprehensive development.

Key Issues and Recent Developments

Namibia faces ongoing issues related to high HIV/AIDS prevalence, which hampers economic productivity and strains healthcare resources. Recent initiatives aim to increase access to antiretroviral therapy, but economic constraints limit their reach. Politically, Namibia has maintained stability since independence; however, economic disparities and land reform debates threaten social cohesion. Geographically, vast distances undermine the development of a cohesive transportation network, complicating service delivery and economic diversification.

Recommendations for Future Growth

To enhance Namibia’s economic prospects, strategies should prioritize improving healthcare infrastructure, especially addressing HIV/AIDS, to increase workforce productivity. Diversification beyond mineral exports into agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing could reduce economic vulnerability. Investing in rural infrastructure and transportation networks will bridge regional gaps, fostering inclusive growth. Education and skill development programs are essential for transitioning to higher stages of economic development. Strengthening institutions and promoting equitable land reforms could mitigate social tensions and ensure sustainable advancement.

Conclusion

Namibia's geographic, demographic, and political characteristics collectively influence its development pathway. While significant challenges persist—particularly related to health, infrastructure, and economic diversification—targeted investments and policy reforms can propel the country toward higher levels of economic maturity. Embracing inclusive growth, leveraging natural resources responsibly, and enhancing healthcare systems will be crucial to transforming Namibia from its current stage in the core-periphery model to a more developed nation.

References

• United Nations Development Programme. (2022). Namibia Human Development Report. UNDP.
• World Bank. (2023). Namibia Economic Indicators. World Bank Data.
• Central Intelligence Agency. (2023). The World Factbook: Namibia. CIA.
• Namibia Statistics Agency. (2021). Namibia Population and Housing Census. NSA.
• UNAIDS. (2022). Namibia HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet. UNAIDS.
• Government of Namibia. (2020). National Development Plans and Strategies.
• Goodman, J. (2013). Namibia: A Country Profile. African Studies Review.
• O'Connell, J. (2019). Urbanization and Development in Namibia. Journal of African Urban Studies.
• Friedman, J. (2019). Rural Development and Infrastructure in Namibia. Development Policy Review.
• International Monetary Fund. (2022). Namibia: Staff Report for the 2022 Article IV Consultation. IMF.