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Why have some countries developed rapidly while other have not over the last century?

Sarah Jenkins
Sarah Jenkins
Lead Content Curator · Jan 29, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

It's easier for us to create heat than to remove it. Furnaces for heating have been around forever but air conditioners are expensive and still catching on. Therefore, for centuries the most productive places have been cold-but-not-too-cold places because they can get work done all day, year roun…

100
Words

1 min
Read Time

#128
of 500 in History

+39%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

It's easier for us to create heat than to remove it. Furnaces for heating have been around forever but air conditioners are expensive and still catching on. Therefore, for centuries the most productive places have been cold-but-not-too-cold places because they can get work done all day, year round, whereas in warmer places it's too hot to get work done and some countries literally have to shut down in the summer. Even in developed nations, August is the slowest month for productivity. So if you look at a map of the "developed world," it's well north (and south) of the equator.

Analysis

Key Concepts: It's, places, work

This explanation focuses on it's, places, work and spans 100 words across 5 sentences. At 39% above the average History explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “It's easier for us to create heat than to remove it.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.

How This Compares in History

Ranked #128 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 26%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why some countries developed rapidly while other have not over the last century?

It's easier for us to create heat than to remove it. Furnaces for heating have been around forever but air conditioners are expensive and still catching on. Therefore, for centuries the most productive places have been cold-but-not-too-cold places…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?

This is an above-average answer at 100 words, ranked #128 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are it's, places, work.

What approach does this answer take to explain some countries developed rapidly while other have not over t?

The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 100 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.