Test: World- Industrial Regions - UPSC MCQ

The concentration or localization of industries is influenced by various factors. These include the availability of resources, such as raw materials and power, transportation infrastructure, market proximity, historical factors, geographical conditions, labour supply, and availability of competent technology. All of these factors contribute to the establishment and growth of industrial regions in specific areas.

Manufacturing patterns in developed countries have been heavily influenced by their history. Industrialization evolved in Europe among communities that were self-sufficient in most life's necessities. Historical factors such as the development of subsidiary industries, the decline of certain industries, and the availability of assets and skilled labor have shaped the manufacturing landscape in these countries.

Geographical factors that influence industrial location include availability of resources, natural and climatic conditions, transportation infrastructure, and site and services. The value of commodities produced in relation to the cost of production is more related to market factors rather than geographical factors.

 The cotton textile industries developed in Bombay, India, and Manchester, England, primarily due to the abundance of raw materials. The humid climates of these regions provided favorable conditions for the development of cotton textile industries. Raw materials, such as cotton, were readily available in these areas, which contributed to the growth of the textile industry.

Transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in the placement of industries as it facilitates the movement of goods and materials. Efficient transportation systems, including waterways, roads, and railways, are crucial for transporting raw materials to the industries and distributing finished products to the market. Industrial regions often develop around transportation hubs where these infrastructure networks intersect.

The attractiveness of an industry to labor centers is determined by the ratio of labor cost to the total cost of production. This is referred to as the "Labor cost of Index" by Weber. Industries that can benefit from a lower labor cost compared to their total production cost are more likely to attract labor centers. This factor affects the localization of industries and their distribution across different regions.

The Northeast Asian Region, including countries like Japan and South Korea, is known for its dominance in the shipbuilding industry, with major shipbuilding companies based in this region.

The European Region is known for its production of chemicals and petrochemicals, which are widely used in various industries such as agriculture, metals, textiles, and food processing.

The European Region, particularly the United Kingdom, is considered the birthplace of the industrial revolution, which marked the rapid development of industries on a large scale.

The South Asian Region, particularly countries like India and Bangladesh, is known for its production of textiles and textile machinery, with a significant presence of textile industries in this region.