Why is it that some countries have grown spectacularly rich while others remain miserably poor?

The reasons include, but are not limited to,

1. Technology and Productivity One important factor contributing to the material wealth of a society is its productivity. The

source of productivity is technology. Advances in technology, like automation or telecommunications, make it possible to produce more with less. Higher productivity means more can be produced for a given amount of people, therefore raising the wealth of a typical country.
2. Governments

Governments play many roles in ensuring economic growth. Political stability is also important for a healthy economy; crime, poverty, income disparity and armed conflicts can be both a cause and result of poor economic growth. In addition, countries that support research and development, education and scientific research are likely to improve their supply of technology. 2. Culture Many poor countries are dependant on one major export; Kenya for example is dependent on tea and coffee. This is fine when the world price of tea and coffee is high. But when we buy our tea and coffee from another country Kenya loses out as it does not make any more money. 3. Natural Resources Consider the world's wealthiest country, Dubai.