Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Child Labor in India: Legal Restrictions and Reality

Can a Child Under 12 Work as a Housemaid?

No. There is a government ban/law prohibiting it.

Why Might the Government's Measure Not Solve the Entire Problem?

Because in many cases, exploitation is never reported or goes unnoticed. The actual number of working children is likely much higher than official estimates.

True or False Statements

(0.5 points per answer)

Statement 1: Dhiraj has to work the whole night.

True. "His 12-hour work shift begins at 9 pm."

Statement 2: His family does not need the money he earns.

False. "Dhiraj's pay is crucial in the family's battle to survive."

Statement 3: In India, some children start working when they are five years old.

True. "Parents say poverty forces them to... Continue reading "Child Labor and Exploitation: Laws, Realities, and Solutions" »

Canary Islands Provinces and Institutions

This thematic description represents the provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlighting the geographic division of the Canary archipelago into two provinces. Spain has a total of 44 provinces, among which are the provinces of Las Palmas (capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife). These two provinces comprise the Canary archipelago, which in turn is formed by the islands of El Hierro (capital: Valverde), La Palma (capital: Santa Cruz de la Palma), La Gomera (capital: San Sebastián de la Gomera), Tenerife (capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Gran Canaria (capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Lanzarote (capital: Arrecife), and Fuerteventura... Continue reading "Canary Islands Provinces, Islands, and Governance" »

Historical, Economic, and Social Factors in Rwanda's Development

Historical Reason: Rwanda's period as a Belgian colony for over fifty years significantly impacted its development. Profits were often repatriated to Belgium, hindering local investment and growth.

Economic Reason: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS affects a substantial portion of the population. This reduces the workforce, decreases tax revenue, and increases government healthcare expenditure.

Social Reason: Improved living conditions and public health initiatives in developed nations reduce the spread of diseases.

Environmental Reason: Cooler climates can reduce the prevalence of certain viruses and insects, potentially impacting public health.

Human Development Index (HDI)

First calculated... Continue reading "Rwanda's Development Challenges: Historical, Economic & Social Factors" »

Trade

Internal Trade

Internal trade is widespread in Spain. Small businesses and traditional trade activities previously dominated. However, in recent years, internal trade has undergone a major restructuring characterized by:

• Modernization driven by new consumption habits and credit cards.
• Spread of new commercial forms like shopping malls.
• Challenges for traditional small businesses competing with supermarkets.

Foreign Trade

Foreign trade has experienced phenomenal growth. The Spanish trade balance remains in deficit, meaning imports exceed exports. Imports include capital goods, energy supplies, and consumer goods. Exports include manufactured goods, foodstuffs, industrial machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, etc.

Transportation

Road Transport

The... Continue reading "Spain's Trade Dynamics and Transport Networks" »

Transport and Communication in Spain

Importance of Transport for the Spanish Economy

Transport is a fundamental element of Spain's economy and urban planning. However, the country's transport system faces challenges related to development, leading to increased costs for goods due to Spain's size and the peripheral location of industry and population centers. Long journeys with low traffic volume, combined with limited interior communication routes, further complicate the situation. While Spain has made progress in adapting its transport infrastructure to facilitate trade, modernization efforts need to accelerate. A well-developed transport network is essential for a thriving economy, connecting various areas and facilitating economic activity.... Continue reading "Spain's Transportation and Communication Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities" »

Imperialism

Causes

Economics

• Search for Raw Materials: Industries were depleting their sources. To further increase production, they needed to find new sources of raw materials and cheap, abundant energy. Colonies were assigned the role of supplying metropolitan industries with:

  • Coal, oil, etc.
  • Raw materials for industries
  • Various industrial products such as tea, sugar, cocoa, etc.

• Search for New Markets: Colonies served as markets for industrial products, primarily catering to the population of the metropolis.

• Labor: The use of unskilled, cheap, and docile (often slave) labor reduced the cost of raw material extraction and contributed to the success of plantation agriculture.

Politics

• Prestige: States adopted policies of prestige to win over the masses.

19th Century Liberal Reforms and Industrialization in Spain

Liberal Land Reform

Liberal land reform in 19th century Spain aimed to dismantle the old feudal system and introduce capitalist modes of production and ownership. Implemented in the first half of the century, the reform involved:

• Dissolving feudal landholdings.
• Redistributing land, primarily from the Church and municipalities.
• Consolidating private property rights.

While some land was acquired by middle-class and affluent farmers who could invest and profit from it, a significant portion remained in the hands of the previous landowners.

The Rise of Industrialization

Steel Industry

Early Spanish steel production in Andalusia relied on iron ore and charcoal. Later, Asturias became a steel center,... Continue reading "19th Century Spanish Liberal Reforms & Industrialization" »

Section A

1. • a) True: Egypt's population is expected to double by 2050.
   • b) False: The government is keen to encourage people to settle in the desert by moving ahead with an expensive plan to reclaim 3.4 million acres of desert over the next 10 years.
2. • a) Tarek el-Kowmey is proud of his crops. He farms near the Development Centre that is working with sophisticated techniques to green the desert. He cultivates his crops on fertile land that used to be just sand.
   • b) Desert tourism can be more profitable (it brings in more money) and will not destroy fragile flora and fauna (possible attractions for tourists).
3. Vocabulary/Grammar:
   • a) vast
   • b) likely
   • c) because
   • d) rather than
4. Sentence Completion/Correction:
   • a) as... from
   • b) travelling/traveling... most ancient.

Understanding the Old Regime

The term Old Regime (or Ancien Régime) designates the period of history before the French Revolution, the liberal revolutions, and industrialization.

Defining the Old Regime

It extends from the late fifteenth century to the late eighteenth century. In Spain during this period, the Austrian and Bourbon dynasties reigned.

Government and Power

The Old Regime was characterized by absolute monarchy as the form of government. However, this was mediated by the strong presence of the Church in public life and the existence of representative institutions at different levels, such as the courts.

The Agrarian Economy

The economy was largely agrarian, engaging more than 80% of the population. The principal landowners were the nobility... Continue reading "The Old Regime Explained" »