Global Development and Communication Trends

Communication and Development Information

Advances in the field of electronics have enabled computers to become some of the most important factors in development. This progress has facilitated the creation of the information highway, which is the network where data and texts circulate. Within the information highway, the Internet is the most used network.

Development Indicators

Development is measured through indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development Index (HDI). Other indicators include:

• Calorie consumption: A person needs 2,400 calories daily. Globally, there are 850 million chronically undernourished people.
• Human Poverty Line (HPL): Used to determine the number of people in a country living with less money than is considered essential. The HPL is used to compare countries.
• Per capita income: The income level per inhabitant.

Life Expectancy

The human development situation reflects an average life expectancy of 67 years. This figure hides major inequalities: 78 years in rich countries versus 53 years in poor countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is 46 years due to diseases such as AIDS.

Education

A 2006 UN report reflects an improvement in access to education, with 82% of adults knowing how to read. However, the inequality of educational opportunity between rich and poor countries remains high. In Norway, literacy is total, while in Niger, only 18 out of every 100 adults can read.

Hunger and Overeating

Natural causes of hunger include droughts and floods, while human causes are influenced by wars and political or economic decisions. Conversely, in rich countries like the U.S., obesity is a significant health issue.

Demographic Imbalances

Statistics show a diminishing birth trend globally, though it remains high in poor countries. Additionally, as infant mortality decreases, the result is a young and numerous population. In poor countries, wealth is growing at a slower rate than the population, which increases poverty.

Delocalization

Many poor countries were formerly dominated by European colonial powers. When these colonies became independent in the mid-twentieth century, they generally lacked material resources and had an unprepared population. These new countries have continued under the dominion of their old economic metropolises. The subsequent delocalization has led to the ruin of countries through ongoing conflicts.