IB ESS HL B 11 Economic Growth Measurement Questions

Figure: Fact file on energy and economic development in Brazil: Fact file on energy and economic development in Brazil
- Brazil has experienced fast economic growth and is one of the most influential nations in South America.
- Major industries include mining, agriculture and the manufacture of products ranging from motor vehicles and aircraft to computers.
- There has been significant growth in the service industries including the telecommunications, banking, commerce and computing sectors.
- Over $80 \%$ of Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP) is generated in the Atlantic Rainforest region.
- Brazil is a major producer of oil. However about $70 \%$ of its electricity comes from hydroelectric power (HEP).
- Brazil is also the largest global producer of bioethanol, a biofuel produced from plants such as sugar cane. Over $40 \%$ of petrol (gasoline) use has been replaced by bioethanol.
- Brazil's energy policy has involved:
- improving energy efficiency.
- increasing energy production from renewable sources.
- diversification of energy sources.
[Sources: adapted from www.economywatch.com, www.nature.org, http://sugarcane.org and www.reegle.info]

Figure: GDP, energy use, life expectancy and under-5 mortality in Brazil from 1990 to 2012: GDP, energy use, life expectancy and under 5 mortality rate in Brazil from 1990 to 2012

With reference to Figure 7(b), estimate the average annual increase in gross domestic product (GDP) between 1990 and 2012.