A Global Overview of Population, Economy, Culture, and Politics by Continent
Africa
North Africa
Population and Settlement
Africa has a small population (968 million) with a high natural increase and is largely comprised of underdeveloped countries (high infant mortality, low GDP, low literacy rate). North Africa has a young population with a high natural increase. Coastal areas and the Nile are the most populated, and settlement is mostly rural.
Economy
The North African economy relies on subsistence agriculture with low productivity. Despite a wealth of natural resources, there is little industry. Tourism is important in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
Culture and Society
Islamic culture predominates in North Africa. The main languages are Arabic, French, and Berber. A significant portion of the population lives in poverty.
Political Systems
The main regime type in North Africa is the Islamic Republic. Internal conflicts are prevalent.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Population and Settlement
Sub-Saharan Africa has around 806 million inhabitants. Settlement patterns are characterized by rural nuclei and continuous natural increase. Job opportunities are scarce.
Economy
The economy of Sub-Saharan Africa is primarily based on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming with low productivity. Industry is limited, and industrial production is primarily geared towards exports.
Culture and Society
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many different cultures, some of tribal origin and others influenced by different continents. Languages spoken include indigenous languages, English, and French.
Political Systems
The majority of political regimes in Sub-Saharan Africa are republics. Political instability is widespread, marked by civil wars and government corruption.
America
North America
Population and Settlement
The USA has the largest population in North America. Many Mexican people emigrate to the USA, contributing to a very high rate of urbanization.
Economy
The USA boasts the world’s leading economy. Agriculture is highly mechanized, and industry is extremely diversified. The tertiary sector is also very important. Canada is an industrialized country but has a less powerful economy than the USA. Economic development in Mexico is lower than in the USA and Canada.
Culture and Society
The population of the USA and Canada is diverse, comprising individuals of European, Latin American, African, and Asian descent. Inhabitants of Mexico are mostly of mixed race. The principal languages are English and Spanish in the USA, French and English in Canada, and Spanish in Mexico.
Political Systems
Democratic political systems are prevalent in North America.
Central and South America
Population and Settlement
Central and South America have a combined population of over 468 million. Natural increase and the rate of urbanization are both very high.
Economy
Agriculture is an important economic activity in Central and South America. Industry is developed in Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. The region’s economy relies heavily on the export of natural resources.
Culture and Society
Central and South America are characterized by great ethnic diversity and a large population of mixed race. Social and economic inequalities persist. The main language is Spanish.
Political Systems
Political instability affects many countries in Central and South America. Authoritarian regimes coexist with democratic ones.
Asia
Northern and Central Asia
Population and Settlement
Russia is experiencing a negative natural increase, and settlement is mostly urban. In other countries in the region, rural settlement predominates.
Economy
Russia is a major oil and mineral producer globally, but its industry is not technologically advanced. High unemployment and corruption are significant challenges.
Culture and Society
Northern and Central Asia are home to diverse ethnic groups, and there are significant disparities in living standards.
Political Systems
Russia is a republic with a democratic system. Other countries in the region face serious political instability.
Western Asia
Population and Settlement
Western Asia has a high natural increase due to high birth rates. Rural settlement remains significant.
Economy
Despite its natural wealth, Western Asia suffers from low productivity and limited industrial development. There are vast economic disparities between countries in the region.
Culture and Society
Western Asia is characterized by a diversity of ethnic groups, with Islamic culture being predominant. Social and economic inequalities are widespread.
Political Systems
Western Asia exhibits a variety of government types, including Islamic republics, parliamentary republics, and absolute monarchies.
Southern Asia
Population and Settlement
Southern Asia is a densely populated region with a very high natural increase. Settlement is primarily rural.
Economy
The economy of Southern Asia relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, with very little industry. There are stark contrasts in economic development between countries in the region.
Culture and Society
Southern Asia is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and languages. The principal religions are Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Social inequalities are prevalent.
Political Systems
Republican regimes are predominant in Southern Asia, but political instability remains a significant issue.
Eastern Asia
Population and Settlement
China is the most populous country globally. While natural increase has been limited in recent years, some areas of China experience extremely high population density. Life expectancy is high, but natural increase is low.
Economy
Agriculture plays a crucial role in China’s economy. In contrast, Japan has very little agriculture.
Culture and Society
The three main religions in China are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The region enjoys a high level of social equality.
Political Systems
China and North Korea have communist regimes. Japan is a parliamentary monarchy.
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
Population
Australia and New Zealand have small populations with declining natural increase and high life expectancy. Their populations are mostly urban and concentrated in coastal areas.
Economy
Australia is rich in mineral resources. Sheep farming is the principal economic activity in New Zealand, with forestry also playing a significant role.
Culture and Society
The majority of the population in Australia and New Zealand is of British origin. The main language is English.
Political Systems
Australia and New Zealand are parliamentary democracies.
Island States of the Pacific
Population
Melanesia is the most populated zone in the Pacific Island states, with a very high rural population.
Economy
Development is low in the Pacific Island states. The primary sector dominates economic activity. Industry is underdeveloped and mainly focused on processing agricultural products.
Culture and Society
English is spoken in many parts of the Pacific Island states. Many countries have preserved their ancestral traditions.
Political Systems
Democratic regimes are prevalent in the Pacific Island states.