Less Developed Nations, also known as less developed countries or LDCs, refer to countries that exhibit low levels of economic and industrial development when compared to other nations across the globe. The term categorizes countries based on specific criteria, including their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, human development index (HDI), and economic vulnerability index (EVI).
These nations are typically characterized by high poverty rates, limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, low literacy rates, and high unemployment rates. They often have agrarian economies that heavily rely on subsistence agriculture or the extraction and export of primary commodities, such as minerals and agricultural products, which results in little or no industrialization.
These countries face significant challenges in terms of achieving sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the living conditions of their populations. Factors such as political instability, corruption, weak governance, limited access to education and technology, and lack of infrastructure contribute to their underdevelopment.
International organizations, such as the United Nations, provide assistance to less developed nations through policy initiatives, financial aid, and capacity building programs. Efforts are made to address issues such as poverty alleviation, economic diversification, access to education and healthcare, infrastructure development, and the promotion of sustainable development practices.
The term "less developed nations" is used to highlight the disparities in economic development and living standards between nations, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support to help these countries overcome their developmental challenges and achieve greater prosperity.
