BGCSE Development Studies key terms

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given period, usually a year, used to measure the size and growth of an economy.

The total income earned by a country's residents and businesses, including income from abroad, over a period; it differs from GDP by counting earnings from overseas activity.

A sustained rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy, which reduces the amount that money can buy and can harm savers and fixed-income earners.

The situation where people who are willing and able to work cannot find paid jobs, measured as a share of the labour force; it wastes skills and reduces household income.

Economic activity that is not registered, taxed, or regulated by government, such as street trading and casual labour; it provides income for many people but offers little security.

The process of expanding a country's economy beyond a narrow range of products or industries, so that income and jobs do not depend on a single export or sector.

Investment by a company or individual from one country in productive assets or businesses in another country, usually bringing money, technology, jobs and management skills.

Money sent home by people working away from their home area or country, often to relatives; this income supports families and can be a major source of foreign currency.

The difference between the value of a country's exports and the value of its imports over a period; a surplus means exports exceed imports, while a deficit means imports exceed exports.

A summary measure of human development that combines average income, life expectancy, and education levels to compare the wellbeing of people in different countries.

The income or consumption level below which a person or household is considered poor because it cannot meet basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and health care.

The average number of years a person is expected to live, based on current death rates; it is a widely used indicator of health standards and living conditions.

The percentage of people in a population who can read and write a short simple statement about everyday life, commonly used to measure education levels.

Government programmes and community arrangements that protect vulnerable people from hardship, for example cash transfers, pensions, food support and health care for the poor.

Development that meets the needs of people today without damaging the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection.

Energy from sources that are naturally replaced or cannot run out, such as sunlight, wind, flowing water and plant material; it produces less pollution than burning fossil fuels.

The variety of living things found in an area, including different species, the genetic differences within species, and the ecosystems they form; it supports healthy environments and human livelihoods.

The process by which fertile land becomes dry and unproductive, often because of overgrazing, deforestation, poor farming and drought; it threatens food supply and forces people to move.

Long-term changes in average weather patterns, especially global warming caused by human release of greenhouse gases; it brings rising temperatures, altered rainfall and more extreme weather.

A system of government in which adult citizens choose their leaders through free and fair elections, and where power is limited by law and respect for people's rights.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law, and that laws are applied fairly, publicly and consistently rather than by arbitrary decisions.

The misuse of public power or office for private gain, such as bribery, theft of public funds and favouritism; it wastes resources and weakens trust in government.

The way public institutions manage resources and make decisions, judged by qualities such as accountability, transparency, fairness, efficiency and the involvement of citizens.

The network of voluntary groups and organisations outside government and business, such as charities, community groups, trade unions, religious bodies and pressure groups, which help people act together.

Basic freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to simply because they are human, such as life, liberty, safety, fair treatment and freedom of expression.

The legal and social membership of a country, giving a person rights such as voting and protection, and duties such as obeying laws and paying taxes.

The growing connection of countries through trade, investment, travel, communication and culture, so that events and decisions in one place increasingly affect people elsewhere.

The removal or reduction of government barriers to international trade, such as tariffs and quotas, allowing goods and services to move more freely between countries.

Resources given by one country or organisation to another to support development or emergency relief, which may be money, food, equipment, training or technical advice.

A person's or group's sense of belonging to a culture, shown through shared language, values, customs, history and traditions that distinguish them from other groups.

The customs, knowledge, art, buildings and objects passed from one generation to the next, which a community values as part of its history and identity.

The increase in the share of a population living in towns and cities, caused by rural-urban migration and natural growth, which changes land use and demand for services.

The movement of people from the countryside to towns and cities in search of jobs, education, health care and a better standard of living.

The emigration of highly educated or skilled people from their home country to work abroad, which can weaken the home country's services and economy.

Technologies and tools used to create, store, share and exchange information electronically, including computers, mobile phones, the internet and broadcasting.

The gap between people who have reliable access to computers, the internet and digital skills and those who do not, often due to income, location, age or education.

The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, including online shops, banking and payments, which changes how businesses reach customers.

Online platforms where users create profiles, share messages, images and video, and interact with others, shaping communication, news and public opinion.