Economics 0455 · IGCSE · Differences in economic development between countries

Differences in economic development between countries — practice question

In 1982, Nauru recorded the world’s highest GDP per head. Its primary sector was large, and it exported phosphate, a natural fertiliser. Even so, this natural resource was exhausted after a short time. Nauru is now experiencing market failure because of pollution and unhealthy food imports. Although its imports of goods are greater than its exports of goods, it still shows a surplus on the current account of its balance of payments.
(a)[2]

Define what GDP per head means.

(b)[4]

Explain how a country can have more imports of goods than exports of goods and yet still show a surplus on the current account of its balance of payments.

(c)[6]

Analyse the causes of market failure in an economy.

(d)[8]

Discuss whether a large primary sector is, or is not, a disadvantage to an economy.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Total GDP divided by the population size

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