DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Developing Countries A developing country is a country with a low standard of living, a limited industrial base and quite a low Human Development Index. Development usually implies a modern physical and institutional infrastructure and a detachment from sectors such as agriculture and natural resources extraction.

Developed Countries A developed country can generally rely on economic systems based on steady economic growth and can boast a high standard of living.

Degree of Development The degree of development of a country can be measured through: statistical indexes like HDI – which considers aspects such as life expectancy, education, health care, etc. (United Nations) Income per capita (referred to GDP,Gross Domestic Product) which turns out to be rather reductive.

Developing Countries: Reasons for limited development Low savings (with consequent low investment) Over-population Intristic factors (such as attitude and culture of the people; high corruption) Extrinsic factors (geopolitical or commercial interests, historical and cultural influences, situations of deficit and indebtedness).

Developing Countries: Categories of Development 1) developed countries and their dependencies (e.g. former colonies); 2) countries with quite a steady development over a long period (e.g. China, Mexico, India, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, much of South America, Thailand, former Warsaw Pact countries, etc.); 3) countries experiencing prolonged political problems (e.g. civil war or dictatorships).

Developing Countries: Other Definitions Third World: a definition which excludes the nations of the liberal West (i.e. the First World) and the former Soviet Bloc (the Second World). During the 20th century many Third world countries have become independent of their colonial ties; The North and the South: as most developing countries are to the South of most developed countries. The definition is not correct (e.g. see Australia and New Zealand).

Developing Countries: Other Definitions Rich and Poor Countries: it originates from a viewpoint which emphasises wealth and income per capita; Industrialised / non-industrialised countries.