Development Gap Case Study - Levels Of Development

Question 1

How has Bulgaria reached the economic periphery?

Answer 1

Pre 1990’s Bulgaria was a Soviet state.
When the Soviet Union broke down in the 1990’s, living standards dropped by 40%.
Bulgaria became a democracy in 1998.
Bulgaria became part of the EU in 2007.
Population had dropped by 1 million (8.3m->7.3m) by 2011 to find better opportunities and quality of life.
Bulgaria now has a low GDP per capita and is in the periphery.

Question 2

Name a country in the economic core.

Answer 2

Ireland

Question 3

How has Ireland reached the economic core?

Answer 3

Pre 1970’s Ireland’s main industry was farming.
In 1973 Ireland joined the EU and became a high tech service economy.
Between 1995-2000 Ireland had an economic growth rate of 10%- named the Celtic tiger.
Now Ireland has a high GDP per capita and is in the economic core.

Question 4

Name a country in the economic periphery.

Answer 4

Bulgaria