Question

Give geographical reasons:

Regional development is dependent on physical setting.

Answer 1

The physical factors like relief, climate and location of the region affect regional development. Regional development occurs where agriculture, agro-based industries and trade are developed in areas where there is plain relief and sufficient rainfall. For example, Asian countries have developed agriculture and trade of agricultural goods. Plain relief and sufficient rainfall encourage the development of transportation and industries. There is poor development of economic activities in areas with unfavourable relief like mountains or hills and extreme climates. For example, in northern Russia, economic development is poor due to the extreme cold climate. The location of the country is an important factor. If there is a long and broken coastline, then there is the development of trade and economy. For example, Japan has economically developed despite limited natural resources due to trade development. On the other hand, landlocked countries remain isolated. They cannot develop trade due to the absence of a coastline. Such countries have poor economic development. For example. Afghanistan, Nepal. Thus, there is a relationship between regional development and physical factors; therefore, we can say that regional development depends on physical factors.

Answer 2

1. The physical factors like climate and relief of a region affect its development.
2. Areas where land is less fertile, water is scarce, diseases flourish, will be less developed e.g. the regions which are located in the tropical rainforests.
3. On other hand, fertile land, favourable climate and good rainfall promote the development e.g. Mediterranean region.
4. If regions are landlocked or located in high mountain ranges or if there is lack of navigable rivers, long coastlines of good natural harbours, then even in presence of other resources, the region may develop well.
5. Sometimes, there is presence of large resources, but climate may not be favourable or population may not be present to exploit the same e.g. Antarctica.
6. Hence, we can say that regional development is dependent on physical setting.