Question 1

Three billion people, almost half the world's population, live on less than $2.50 per day.

Accepted Answer

According to the World Bank, in 2015, 43.1% of the world's population lived below the $2.50 per day poverty line. This translates to approximately 3.4 billion people.

Question 2

Overpopulation is not a problem in the developing nations of Africa, which has an average population density of 24 per square mile.

Accepted Answer

The given statement is true because the average population density of Africa is 24 per square mile, which is relatively low compared to other regions of the world.

Question 3

At the height of colonialism, how many independent nations remained in Africa?

Accepted Answer

During the height of colonialism in Africa, only two countries, Liberia and Ethiopia, remained independent.

Question 4

Owing to its economic gains and an impressive growth spurt in recent years, India has surpassed the economy of China.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. According to the World Bank, China still has a larger economy than India in terms of GDP (Gross Domestic Product). However, India has been experiencing significant economic growth and is projected to continue on this trajectory in the coming years.

Question 5

Colonialism is synonymous with modernization and improvement.

Accepted Answer

While colonial powers often promoted their empires as bringing modernization and improvement to the countries they colonized, this claim is contested and based on Eurocentric perspectives. In reality, colonialism often led to exploitation, cultural destruction, and oppression of local populations.

Question 6

Where are most of the least developed countries located?

Accepted Answer

According to the United Nations, the majority of the least developed countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has the highest percentage of countries categorized as least developed, with 33 out of 47 countries in the region on the UN's list.

Question 7

According to UNICEF, over 25,000 children die every day due to poverty.

Accepted Answer

This statistic is true according to UNICEF's report on child mortality caused by poverty.

Question 8

Development brings with it the guarantee of peace and prosperity.

Accepted Answer

Development does not necessarily guarantee peace and prosperity. Economic growth and development can sometimes lead to social and political tensions and inequalities if not managed effectively. Additionally, peace and prosperity can exist in the absence of high levels of economic development, as seen in countries with strong social welfare programs and equitable distribution of resources.

Question 9

What is the "root cause" of the worst problems facing developing nations?

Accepted Answer

Endemic poverty is the root cause of many problems facing developing nations, including poor public services, corruption, disease, and lack of access to potable water. Poverty traps people in a cycle of poor health, limited education, and lack of economic opportunities, preventing them from improving their lives and their communities. Addressing poverty through initiatives that create jobs, improve education, and support basic needs like nutrition and healthcare is key to addressing the other problems facing developing nations.

Question 10

The greater the distribution of wealth and education in a given society, the more likely that the seeds of democracy will grow.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true, as greater distribution of wealth and education often leads to a more engaged and empowered citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy. However, there are other factors that can also influence the growth of democracy, such as political institutions and cultural norms.

Question 11

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 update, when will the world's population reach 9 billion?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 update, the world's population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Developing countries often struggle with maintaining law and order, making it a common feature. Illiteracy, political instability, ethnic conflict, and inequality are more commonly seen in developing countries.

Question 13

The existence of a charismatic leader tends to slow or impede nation-building in developing societies.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders often accelerate nation-building in developing societies by mobilizing mass support, fostering national identity, and driving forward social, economic, and political reforms.

Question 14

Although development around the world has improved the conditions of countless people, it is possible for overdevelopment to have negative effects as well.

Accepted Answer

Overdevelopment can lead to environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and increased social and economic inequality. It can also lead to the depletion of natural resources and the destruction of ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to balance development with sustainability and social responsibility.

Question 15

Capitalism was the West's answer to the postcolonial world of corruption and mismanagement, but it was tainted by its close association to colonialism.

Accepted Answer

Capitalism was seen as a way to bring economic prosperity to postcolonial countries, but its association with colonialism left a negative impression and raised questions about its ethical implications.

Question 16

Terms of trade tend to work against least developed countries.

Accepted Answer

Least developed countries often depend on exporting raw materials and commodities, which usually have low prices in international markets, while importing processed goods and manufactured products, which are generally more expensive. This results in a situation where the terms of trade are unfavorable for these countries, leading to a decrease in their income and limited opportunities for economic growth.

Question 17

Haiti became the first republic ruled by people of African descent in world history, as well as the first independent Caribbean state.

Accepted Answer

Haiti gained its independence from France in 1804, making it the first republic ruled by people of African descent and the first independent Caribbean state.

Question 18

Robert Mugabe has done much to improve the lives of his citizens in Zimbabwe.

Accepted Answer

Mugabe's regime was marked by numerous human rights violations, economic mismanagement, and corruption which has led to a decline in the quality of life for many Zimbabweans. While some infrastructure projects were completed during his administration, the overall impact on the lives of citizens was negative.

Question 19

Kwame Nkrumah's calls for solidarity among former colonial states failed to grow into a lasting movement.

Accepted Answer

Despite Kwame Nkrumah's efforts and calls for solidarity among former colonial states, the movement did not last long and did not achieve the desired outcome.

Question 20

Typical developing countries have had to deal with chronic instability, coups, revolutions, civil wars, and genocide due to the vast diversity thrown together by the arbitrary creation of the original colonies around the world.

Accepted Answer

Many developing countries have experienced political instability and violence as a result of historical factors such as colonization, arbitrary borders, and power struggles between different ethnic or religious groups.

Quiz 9: Development: Myths and Realities