Question

As a general rule, most more developed countries (MDCs) are located north of what degree of latitude?

1) 0 degrees
2) 23.5 degrees
3) 45 degrees
4) 66.5 degrees

Answer 1

Most more developed countries (MDCs) are generally located north of 23.5 degrees latitude, which is the Tropic of Cancer. This latitude facilitates climates conducive to development and coincides with the location of many MDCs in the Northern Hemisphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a general rule, most more developed countries (MDCs) are located north of 23.5 degrees latitude. This is because the Tropic of Cancer, which is at 23.5 degrees north of the equator, is the northernmost parallel of latitude on Earth to receive direct sunlight during the summer solstice due to Earth's tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees. This latitudinal positioning contributes to temperate climates that are more conducive to the development seen in MDCs.

The options provided for the latitudes include 0 degrees (the equator), 23.5 degrees (the Tropic of Cancer), 45 degrees, and 66.5 degrees (the Arctic Circle). Since most MDCs are found in the Northern Hemisphere, above the equator and not as far north as the Arctic Circle, 23.5 degrees latitude is the correct answer. Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle is where many MDCs, like those in North America and Europe, are located.