What do countries with large footprints have in common? Small footprints?

I don't really understand .

By footprints do you mean carbon footprint? If so, countries with larger carbon footprints are generally more advanced and are industrialized, while countries with smaller footprints are generally less developed.

Rich countries tend to have large ecological footprints. They use a lot of natural resources. Poor countries have small footprints because the use very little natural resources.

http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/stats/Environment/Ecological-footprint

Countries with large footprints typically have certain characteristics in common. These characteristics can include factors such as high levels of population, economic development, industrialization, and consumption. Here's how you can understand and determine countries with large and small footprints:

1. Population: Countries with large populations generally tend to have larger footprints because they require more resources to sustain their people.

2. Economic Development: Industrialized countries with advanced economies often have larger footprints due to higher levels of consumption and production. These countries may have extensive manufacturing industries, transportation systems, and infrastructure that contribute to their environmental impact.

3. Consumption Patterns: Countries with high levels of consumption, particularly in terms of energy, water, and materials, typically have larger footprints. These consumption patterns can be influenced by factors such as lifestyle, consumer behaviors, and cultural norms.

4. Industrialization: Countries with significant industrial sectors, including manufacturing, mining, and energy production, tend to have larger footprints. These industries often have significant impacts on the environment due to resource extraction, energy use, and waste generation.

On the other hand, countries with small footprints generally exhibit different characteristics:

1. Population: Countries with smaller populations generally have smaller footprints because they require fewer resources to sustain their people.

2. Economic Development: Less industrialized or developing countries may have smaller footprints due to lower levels of consumption and production compared to more developed nations.

3. Sustainability Initiatives: Some countries actively focus on sustainability measures, which could result in smaller footprints. These initiatives can include investments in renewable energy, conservation efforts, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.

It's important to note that the size of a country's footprint is not solely determined by these factors but can also be influenced by geographic conditions, government policies, and cultural attitudes towards the environment.