Ancient Economics

Prehistoric clans before 5,000 BC expanded when they were very skilled at hunting and gathering food. They could also find clean water, produce fire for warmth and cooking and could defend themselves when attacked. These clans were made of families and eventually settled in territories and villages. Growing crops and raising livestock near a water supply were added to clan activities to ensure a food supply.

American Indians followed the same model. They were hunter-gatherers in families in territories and many tribes were also farmers. The introduction of horses to America in the 1500s allowed American Indians to add to their productivity.  Buffalo herds, deer, elk, turkey, beaver and many other animals provided meat, hides and bones and all parts were used. Eskimo tribes in artic climates relied on fish and local animals for protein and adapted to the cold.

Trade with other clans and tribes was wide-spread and began early with all of these groups. Multiple generations of families living in the same territories provided generational experience and children learned from their parents and other elders.  Survival was dependent on the knowledge and advice from these elders who had identified the dangers and opportunities they had identified.

Many populations in undeveloped countries continue to

function across the globe using the same techniques used by families, clans and tribes. They require the use of land and water and require the freedom to support their families using their own resources.

These ancient economies continue to advance slowly. Most countries have developed two economies; one is modern and one is prehistoric.  Governments of these third-world countries concentrate in cities to deal with the trade in pursuit of higher GDP. The number of citizens involved with the modern economy become visible when you look up the land mass and population vs the labor force and are confirmed by their poverty rate. Internet searches provide information on the 220 countries on the planet and most of these have a third-world population. If you search GDP by Country and start at the bottom, you will see undeveloped countries.

Some are struggling to provide clean water and sanitation to prevent disease. Some occasionally suffer drought and natural disasters.  Some continue to suffer from war, corruption and terrorism.

The poverty rate by country lists give you some idea of what percentage of the population are failing to support themselves in each country. Internet poverty data by country

Is reported by the governments of these countries and the data is unreliable, under-reported and out-of-date in many cases. 

139 countries are listed by poverty rate on photius.com, but the data is not current.  Poverty rate data like China at 3.3% and Venezuela at 19.7% and others is questionable.

https://photius.com/rankings/2018/economy/population_below_poverty_line_2018_0.html

The 28 poorest countries are listed on Nordic and it reports countries with less than $1000 per capita GDPs.

https://nordic.businessinsider.com/poorest-countries-in-the-world-2018-5/

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader