Tag: Geography

According to a 2024 TasteAtlas ranking, Italy and Japan were voted to have the best cuisines in the world, with Greece coming in a close second, while other nations rank much lower. But this raises the question: why do some countries have better food than others? The answer is a complex blend of geography, history, and cultural practice that goes far beyond simple preference.

While major economies like the United States and China import the highest total value of food, the list changes dramatically when analyzed per capita. This metric reveals which countries import the most food per capita, highlighting the deep reliance of smaller and wealthier nations on the global supply chain for a diverse and consistent food source.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global prevalence of obesity has increased significantly since 2000, a key indicator of the ongoing nutrition transition. This shift, driven by economic and social changes, is a central topic in IB Geography, particularly in the study of food and health.

According to World Atlas, Turkey is one of 22 countries with a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, confirming its geographic connection to the region. Yet, the question "Is Turkey considered Mediterranean?" is more complex than a simple glance at a map would suggest, encompassing geographical location, climate, history, and cultural identity.

Globally, nearly 29% of the population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2022, a figure that is not distributed evenly across the globe. Where a person lives profoundly affects their access to food, with location acting as a critical determinant of nutrition. From remote rural communities to densely populated urban centers, geographic factors from climate to infrastructure directly influence the stability and quality of a population's diet.

According to the Global Nutrition Report, red and processed meat intake in some regions was up to nine times higher than recommended levels in 2018, while some low-income countries showed the opposite trend. This stark contrast in eating habits is part of the larger question of why do diets vary in different parts of the world, a phenomenon shaped by a complex mix of factors.

Recent research reveals that a person's geographic location is a powerful determinant of their dietary intake, with studies confirming that food environments significantly impact health outcomes. The simple question of "How does location affect nutrition?" reveals a complex web of environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that shape what we eat and, consequently, our health.

According to a 2023 global meta-analysis, 15.7% of the world's population had a vitamin D deficiency (serum levels below 30 nmol/L), with significant regional variations. Contrary to popular belief, this deficiency is not limited to high-latitude countries with minimal sunlight.

In a study conducted in Sahrawi refugee camps, a prevalence of 5.6% of celiac disease was found among children, representing one of the highest known rates globally. While a global prevalence rate for celiac disease is estimated at about 1% of the population, research shows significant geographic variation due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.