Population geography has witnessed a re-invention since the emergence and
development of social area classifications. These classifications group people on the
basis of social or socio-economic similarity into cluster units which define their
demographic and social characteristics. The methods used to create these systems
combines geographic thought and theory with statistical and economic manipulations
of multivariate data.
The development and use of geodemographic systems appear to be restricted within
the developing world. Some commentators suggest that area classifications may not
offer benefits to developing countries.
This paper argues that the developing world has a lot to benefit from this type of
geography. It presents the case of Nigeria where a classification system has been
developed for the 774 Local Government Areas of the country. Insight is provided
into the variables and methodological approach that has been used to create the
Nigerian classification. It also aims to show what differentiates the classification of
areas in a developing country to that of a developed one.