ANANYA SETH 10GEOS

THE SOCIO ECONOMIC

DISPARITIES OF A FIRST
WORLD AND THIRD
WORLD NATION
In a world marked by diverse cultures and
socioeconomic disparities, understanding the
varying facets of human wellbeing is essential.
Delving into the intricate web of health, wealth,
and education, comparing two nations, Australia
and India, to shed light on their unique challenges
and achievements. As we embark on this journey,
we will explore key indicators including life
expectancy, infant mortality rate, GDP,
unemployment rate, literacy rate, and average
years of schooling. Additionally, we will dissect the
pressing issues of climate change legislation in
Australia and India, highlighting the impact and
consequences on their populations.

Australia is both a continent and a country, covering

approximately 7.7 million square kilometres and with
a population of approximately 25 million people. On
the contrary, India is situated in the continent of
Asia, spanning approximately 3.3 million square
kilometres and with a population of 1.3 billion
people. The ratio of land per person in Australia is 12
times greater than India.

The life expectancy rate of India is 69.7 years

whereas Australians enjoy almost 20 years more,
living up to the ripe old age of 83.3 years. A very
appalling and disturbing figure is the infant mortality
rate of both nations. Australia’s infant mortality rate
is 3.3 per 1,000 live births while India’s sits at a
staggering 28.3 per 1,000 live births. Taking into
account the vast proportional difference between
the populations of both countries, a whopping 2256
infants are pronounced deceased every day in India
while only 3 infants miss the chance of life in
Australia.
In terms of economic performance, Australia
boasts a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of
approximately $2.83 trillion AUD, while India, with
its significantly larger population, stands at $4.44
trillion AUD. In the realm of employment, Australia
maintains a relatively low unemployment rate of
4.7%, indicating a stable job market, whereas India
faces a slightly higher unemployment rate of 7.1%.
Moving on to education and literacy, Australia
leads the way with a remarkable literacy rate of
99%, indicative of a highly educated populace, and
an average of 12.4 years of schooling per
individual. Conversely, India grapples with a lower
literacy rate of 74.4%, emphasising the challenges
faced in ensuring widespread access to education,
and an average of 5.8 years of schooling, further
highlighting the disparities in educational
opportunities between the two nations. These
statistics reflect not only the disparities in
economic and educational development between
Australia and India but also the distinct socio-
economic landscapes of the two nations. These
stark differences showcase Australia as the more
desirable country to reside within.
In the realm of political issues, both Australia and
India grapple with the consequences of climate
change legislation, albeit with differing contexts
and challenges.
Australia is experiencing a climate change crisis
characterised by prolonged droughts, devastating
bushfires, and a decline in biodiversity. This issue is
primarily driven by increased greenhouse gas
emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The
impacts are far-reaching, affecting not only the
environment but also agriculture, tourism, and
public health. Vulnerable communities, such as
indigenous populations and those in rural areas,
are disproportionately affected, facing water
shortages and food insecurity.
In India, the issue of climate change is
exacerbated by a rapidly growing population and
heavy reliance on coal for energy generation.
Rising temperatures have led to more frequent and
severe heat waves, impacting agricultural
productivity and water resources. Urban areas face
the dual challenge of air pollution and inadequate
waste management, leading to public health
concerns. Vulnerable communities, especially
farmers, face uncertainty due to erratic monsoons
and changing weather patterns, which threaten
their livelihoods.
Comparing Australia and India across health,
wealth, and education indicators. While Australia
boasts higher life expectancy, lower infant
mortality, and a higher GDP, India faces the
challenges of lower literacy rates and limited
access to education. Both nations grapple with
unemployment, but the issues they face under the
umbrella of climate change legislation are starkly
different.
Australia's climate crisis stems from its high
emissions and is marked by ecological devastation,
impacting vulnerable communities. India, on the
other hand, is grappling with climate change
alongside its rapid population growth, affecting
agriculture and public health.
Understanding these disparities and challenges is
crucial as we strive for a world where every
individual, regardless of their geographical
location, enjoys the benefits of health, wealth, and
education, while working together to address
global issues like climate change.