Geography alone can affect a developed country’s economy and future. Choose a developed country that exists today.
Describe any geographic barriers present in the country that inhibit industrial development.
How might the country overcome these barriers?
Full Answer Section
- Remote location: Japan is located in a remote part of the world, far from major markets. This remote location can make it difficult for Japanese companies to export their goods to other countries.
How Japan has Overcome these Barriers
- Investment in infrastructure: Japan has made a significant investment in infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports. This investment has helped to overcome the challenges posed by Japan's mountainous terrain.
- Focus on technology: Japan has focused on developing high-tech industries, such as electronics and automobiles. These industries are less reliant on natural resources than other industries.
- Free trade agreements: Japan has signed free trade agreements with a number of countries. These free trade agreements have helped to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, making it easier for Japanese companies to export their goods to other countries.
How Japan can Continue to Overcome Geographic Barriers
- Investment in new technologies: Japan can continue to overcome geographic barriers by investing in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics. These technologies can help to reduce the cost of labor and transportation, making it more feasible to manufacture goods in Japan.
- Focus on services: Japan can focus on developing service industries, such as tourism and finance. These industries are not as reliant on physical infrastructure as manufacturing industries.
- Regional cooperation: Japan can cooperate with other countries in the region to develop infrastructure and markets. This cooperation can help to reduce the costs of overcoming geographic barriers.
Conclusion
Geographic barriers can pose significant challenges to industrial development. However, as Japan has demonstrated, it is possible to overcome these challenges through investment in infrastructure, focus on technology, and regional cooperation.