Economic Geography of Russia, Asia, Latin America & Africa

Russia's Economy and Natural Resources

Russia is a leading global power in energy and possesses the largest reserves of iron (40% worldwide) and manganese (30% of the world's total). The dispersed location of its mines, oil, and natural gas deposits contributes to its decentralized industrial structure. Russian agriculture is constrained by climatic conditions. The Russian North is predominantly covered by forests, and the northern parts of Siberia are characterized by permafrost. Cereal crops are primarily cultivated in the central and southwestern regions with intensive agriculture.

Middle East: Oil Production and State Control

The countries in the Near and Middle East Asia (Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Doha, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) collectively extract approximately 1,000 million tons of primary energy (petroleum) annually, representing one-third of global production. Their reserves are the largest in the world, accounting for between 70% and 85%. A key characteristic of these oil-producing nations is the almost complete appropriation by the state of the capital generated from their substantial export sector.

South Asia: Population Density and Economic Challenges

South Asia is a geographical region with high population density and shared challenges: poverty and deficiencies in transportation, communications, and energy supply. The smaller countries are predominantly agricultural and among the poorest (Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, and Laos), while India has established some industrial regions.

Latin America: Urban Growth and Development Disparities

The Latin American population doubled between 1940 and 1980, reaching 500 million by the year 2000. Concurrently, there has been significant urban growth, fueled by rural exodus, leading to urban macrocephaly in cities like Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires. Latin America exhibits varying levels of development. Some countries face serious economic and social problems that drive migration (Ecuador, Dominican Republic, etc.). In contrast, countries like Chile have achieved a degree of intense development. Brazil is an emerging state but with significant social disparities. Buenos Aires, with over 12 million people, accounts for 40% of Argentina's total population. The recent financial crisis and industrial challenges have led to an increase in poverty, affecting 55% of the population of Buenos Aires, concentrated in slums, or causing emigration to Western Europe.

Africa: Underdevelopment and Agricultural Dominance

Africa (Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan) has the highest number of underdeveloped countries on Earth. South Africa is a notable exception. In Saharan Africa, agricultural activities dominate, and 74% of the population resides in rural areas. Drought and famine are frequent occurrences, often reaching plague proportions.