This is really fascinating. As a history nerd, I'd love to learn more about why the UK is set up like this. Does it have to do with the North's proximity to Scotland? I've been told that I would be looked down upon in England because I have red hair, due to it being "Scottish looking" despite the fact that I have absolutely no Scottish lineage.
Anyway, most countries have a geographically-bound disparity in sophistication. Notables:
-USA: The deep south. Generally follows the former Confederacy, with exceptions. Texas and Florida, as well as certain metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and the Richmand VA area, are prosperous, but states like Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi are the poorest states in America. The West coast, New England, and the upper Midwest are the most prosperous US states.
-Mexico: Huge disparity between North and South, with South being far more stable, prosperous, and educated.
-Italy: North is prosperous, South is less so.
-Korea: This is probably the absolute most dramatic example of rich South and poor North. The difference is STAGGERING, but this is kind of a cheat due to being different countries.