The map shows the Human Poverty Index (HPI) of Nepal.

[“Human Poverty Index across eco-development regions”, Nepal, 2006 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) (August 2009). UNDP Nepal, used with permission.]

Describe the pattern of human poverty shown on the map.

Explain one strength and one weakness of using the Human Development Index (HDI) as a way of measuring disparities.

Explain the inequalities resulting from ethnicity in a named country.

The highest values are in the north/north-west [1 mark], the lowest values are in the centre [1 mark], some quantification [1 mark].

Award 1 mark for identifying a valid strength and 1 mark for a developed explanation.

Possible strengths could be:

• composite indicator, mention the three components
• some comment on the value of the components is possible: GNI per capita (PPP)/school enrollment/life expectancy
• it allows for comparison between regions and countries
• has been in existence since 1990 and allows for analysis of change over time.

Award 1 mark for identifying a valid weakness and 1 mark for a developed explanation.

Possible weaknesses could be:

• does not take into account environmental cost of development
• could be based on unreliable data
• is an average and does not show internal disparities
• does not measure human rights, levels of corruption, gender equality etc.

Be aware HDI changed slightly in composition in 2011 so allow for old and new version.

Award 1 mark for identifying a valid country and 1 mark for accurately describing the ethnic inequality that exists in that nation.

The other 2 marks are reserved for an explanation of the origin/nature of the inequality.

No real problems here with most candidates scoring full marks. A few responses did lack quantification or had issues with compass directions.

This was well answered, with most candidates providing detailed strengths and weaknesses of the HDI.

This question proved challenging to some candidates as they were unable to offer a valid, contemporary example. Some candidates wrote about gender despite this not being the question. The majority could draw attention to the inequalities resulting from ethnicity in a named country but explanations were not always succinct. Some answers were of a historical perspective. The best responses tended to be about Aboriginals in Australia or about the continued consequences of apartheid for South Africa.