Global Population, Economy, Culture & Politics: A Continental Overview
Africa
North Africa
Population & Settlement
Population is young with a high natural increase. Coastal areas and the Nile are the most populated, and settlement is mostly rural.
Economy
Subsistence agriculture with low productivity is prevalent. Despite a wealth of natural resources, there is little industry. Tourism is important in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
Culture & Society
Islamic culture predominates. Main languages are Arabic, French, and Berber. A significant portion of the population lives in poverty.
Political Systems
The main regime type is the Islamic Republic, and internal conflicts are present.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Population & Settlement
Around 806 million inhabitants reside in rural nuclei, experiencing continuous natural increase and facing few job opportunities.
Economy
Mainly subsistence agriculture and livestock farming with low productivity. Industry is limited, and industrial production is primarily for export.
Culture & Society
Many different cultures exist, some of tribal origin and others from different continents. Languages include indigenous languages, English, and French.
Political Systems
The majority of political regimes are republics, but political instability is common, with civil wars and government corruption.
America
North America
Population & Settlement
The USA has the largest population, with many Mexican people emigrating there. The rate of urbanization is very high.
Economy
The USA is the first economic power in the world, with highly mechanized agriculture and an extremely diversified industry. The tertiary sector is very important. Canada is an industrialized country but its economy is less powerful. Economic development in Mexico is lower.
Culture & Society
The population of the USA and Canada is diverse, including European, Latin American, African, and Asian origins. Inhabitants of Mexico are mostly of mixed race. 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.
Central and South America
Population & Settlement
More than 468 million inhabitants with a high natural increase and a very high rate of urbanization.
Economy
Agriculture is an important economic activity. Industry is developed in Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. The region depends on the export of natural resources.
Culture & Society
Great ethnic diversity and people of mixed race are common. Social and economic inequalities persist. The main language is Spanish.
Political Systems
Political instability affects many countries, with authoritarian regimes coexisting with democratic ones.
Asia
Northern and Central Asia
Population & Settlement
Natural increase in Russia is negative, and settlement is mostly urban. In other countries, rural settlement predominates.
Economy
Russia is one of the main oil and mineral producers in the world, but its industry is not technologically developed. Other problems include high unemployment and corruption.
Culture & Society
Different ethnic groups and large differences in living standards exist.
Political Systems
Russia is a republic with a democratic system, while the rest suffer from serious political instability.
Western Asia
Population & Settlement
Natural increase is high due to high birth rates, and rural settlement is important.
Economy
Despite natural wealth, productivity is low, and industrial development is limited. Enormous contrasts exist between countries.
Culture & Society
Diversity of ethnic groups is present, and Islamic culture predominates. Social and economic inequalities are prevalent.
Political Systems
Types of government vary, including Islamic republics, parliamentary republics, and absolute monarchies.
Southern Asia
Population & Settlement
A densely populated region with a very high natural increase. Settlement is mostly rural.
Economy
Mostly subsistence agriculture with very little industry. Big contrasts exist between countries.
Culture & Society
A wide variety of ethnic groups and languages are present. Principal religions are Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Social inequalities are a concern.
Political Systems
Predominantly republican regimes, but political instability is an important problem.
Eastern Asia
Population & Settlement
China is the most populated country on Earth. Natural increase has been limited, but population density is extremely high in some areas. Life expectancy is high, but natural increase is low.
Economy
Agriculture plays an important role in China, while there is very little agriculture in Japan.
Culture & Society
The three main religions in China are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. A high level of social equality exists.
Political Systems
China and North Korea have communist regimes. Japan is a parliamentary monarchy.
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
Population
Small populations with declining natural increase and high life expectancy. Populations are mostly urban and concentrated in coastal areas.
Economy
Australia has a wealth of minerals. The principal economic activity in New Zealand is sheep farming, with forestry also being important.
Culture & Society
The majority of the population is of British origin, and the main language is English.
Political Systems
Parliamentary democracies are in place.
Island States of the Pacific
Population
Melanesia is the most populated zone, with a very high rural population.
Economy
Development is low, and the principal activities are in the primary sector. Industry is not very developed and mainly linked to processing agricultural products.
Culture & Society
English is spoken in many places, and ancestral traditions are preserved in many countries.
Political Systems
Democratic regimes are prevalent.