Why Warm Countries Are Poorer
Countries near the equator are poorer, and the usual explanations are heat, humidity, disease, and institutions. But there’s another that doesn’t usually get mentioned: mountains.
Humans are most comfortable at the mild temperatures of the African highlands where we evolved, so in the tropics people moved uphill, away from the heat and disease. But mountains make transport expensive, which means less trade, less wealth, and more conflict between isolated valleys.
Warm countries had to pick their poison: lowlands that are hot and sick but trade cheaply, or highlands that are cool and healthy but cut off. Igor Brala's poster shows both worlds, split by a band of cloud. Based on the article Why Warm Countries Are Poorer.
By Igor Brajković - Brala, winner of the 2026 Uncharted Territories poster competition.
Printed on 189 gsm enhanced matte paper. Print only: frame and hanger not included.
Also available: framed or as a digital download.
More details
- Paper thickness: 0.26mm
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Opacity: 94%
- ISO brightness: 104%
- Room photos are digitally created to show size and style. The plain product photos show exactly what you’ll receive.
- Shipping is calculated at checkout. Items are made to order by different print partners, so they may arrive separately.
EU GPSR Product Information:
- Manufacturer contact information
- Name: Uncharted Territories Shop
- Email: contact@support.shop.unchartedterritories.co
- Postal address: PO Box 5696 Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Additional information: This product is made for adults. Meets the small parts and magnetic flux index level requirements. 2 year warranty in EEA and UK, established by Directive 1999/44/EC.
Quality Guarantee & Returns
- Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
- Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.
From the brand
Uncharted Territories
Written by Tomás Pueyo, Uncharted Territories explores the biggest trends driving the world today.
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