Week2_Geo_EH_LAC_2024_25

Question 1

What is the largest rainforest in the world?

Answer 1

Amazonia (today, Brazil)

Amazonia is often referred to as the lungs of the world.

Question 2

What is the largest open copper mine in the world?

Answer 2

Chuquicamata (today, Chile)

Chuquicamata is a significant source of copper production.

Question 3

What is the world’s largest river by area?

Answer 3

Amazon River (7 million km²)

The Amazon River basin is crucial for biodiversity.

Question 4

What is the driest desert in the world?

Answer 4

Atacama Desert (Chile)

The Atacama Desert is one of the most arid regions on Earth.

Question 5

What is the longest mountain range in the world?

Answer 5

The Andes (8,850 km)

The Andes have over 100 peaks exceeding 4,500 meters.

Question 6

What is the highest plateau in the world and its elevation?

Answer 6

Bolivia (3,700 meters above sea level)

The high altitude affects climate and agriculture.

Question 7

Which three capitals are among the highest in the world?

Answer 7

• La Paz, Bolivia (3,640 m)
• Quito, Ecuador (2,850 m)
• Bogotá, Colombia (2,625 m)

These capitals experience unique challenges due to their altitude.

Question 8

What percentage of the world’s oil reserves are located in Latin America?

Answer 8

18-20%

However, Latin America only produces 9-10% of the world’s oil.

Question 9

What percentage of the world’s freshwater reserves are found in Latin America?

Answer 9

30%

Despite this, 25% of people in the region lack access to drinking water.

Question 10

What is the geographical hypothesis regarding natural endowments?

Answer 10

Endowments affect economic development via:
* agricultural productivity
* productive specialization
* prevalence of diseases

This hypothesis argues that geography plays a crucial role in shaping economies.

Question 11

What is the ‘Natural Resource Curse’?

Answer 11

Natural resources can lead to:
* low growth
* weak institutions
* instability

These issues may arise from corruption and rent-seeking behaviors.

Question 12

How does disease burden impact economic growth?

Answer 12

High disease burdens lead to lower development due to:
* low labor productivity
* high mortality rates

Diseases prevalent in tropical regions hinder economic progress.

Question 13

What are some geographic challenges faced by Latin America?

Answer 13

• North-South orientation of the landmass
• Distant from densely populated regions
• Landlocked interior by high mountains

These factors contribute to a des-integrated region.

Question 14

What is the average population age in Latin America compared to Europe and North America?

Answer 14

Approximately 30 years in Latin America vs. 40 years in Europe and North America

Latin America has a younger population than these regions.

Question 15

What are the three stages of population transition in Latin America?

Answer 15

1. First Stage (1500-1800): High birth and death rates
2. Second Stage (1800-1990): Population explosion due to declining mortality
3. Third Stage (1990-Today): Low fertility and mortality, leading to stability

These stages reflect significant demographic shifts over time.

Question 16

What is the concept of urban primacy?

Answer 16

Urban primacy refers to the concentration of population and economic activity in major cities

This phenomenon is particularly evident in Latin American capitals.

Question 17

What are the causes of urban primacy in Latin America?

Answer 17

• Historical Centralization
• Lack of state capacity
• Pro-Urban Bias

These factors have reinforced the dominance of capital cities.

Question 18

Which Latin American country has a significant indigenous population and strong cultural origins?

Answer 18

Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico

These countries have indigenous cultures that persist alongside mestizo identities.

Question 19

What is the significance of the demographic transition in Latin America?

Answer 19

It reflects rising life expectancy and a young population with slower growth

This transition affects economic and social development.

Question 20

Is geography considered destiny in the context of Latin America?

Answer 20

Yes, geography influences economic opportunities and challenges

The region’s natural endowments can be both a blessing and a curse.

Question 21

What is the term for the abundance of natural resources?

Answer 21

A curse or a blessing?

Example: Venezuela vs. Chile

Question 22

What recent demographic trend has been observed?

Answer 22

Rising life expectancy

This indicates improvements in health and longevity.

Question 23

What characterizes the population structure in certain regions?

Answer 23

Young population and slower population growth

This affects economic and social dynamics.

Question 24

Where is the population distribution primarily located?

Answer 24

Along the coasts and very big cities

Includes temperate and highland areas in tropical regions.

Question 25

What does high spatial mobility refer to?

Answer 25

Migrations ## Footnote People look for new opportunities.

Question 26

Who is Sebastiao Salgado?

Answer 26

A photographer known for capturing social and environmental issues ## Footnote Notable work: Cierra Pelada, Amazonas, Brazil, 2019.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The term for areas with low population density is _______.

Answer 27

[low] ## Footnote This term often describes rural or less developed regions.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The demographic transition often leads to rising _______.

Answer 28

[life expectancy] ## Footnote This is associated with advancements in healthcare.