The most developed countries. Developed countries: concept, examples
ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Among the economically developed countries, the UN currently lists approximately 60 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Australia and Oceania. All of them are characterized by a higher level of economic and social development and, accordingly, gross domestic product per capita (over $ 5,000). However, this group of countries is characterized by a rather significant internal heterogeneity and four subgroups can be distinguished in its composition.
The first of them forms "the big seven countries of the West", which includes the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada. These are the leading countries of the Western world, characterized by the largest scale of economic and political activity.
The G-7 countries account for about 50% of the world gross national product and industrial production, over 25% of agricultural products. GDP per capita is in them from 20 to 30 thousand dollars.
To second subgroup smaller countries of Western Europe can be attributed. Although the political and economic power of each of them is not so great, on the whole they play a large, ever-increasing role in world affairs. GDP per capita in most of them is the same as in the G7 countries.
Third subgroup form non-European countries - Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of South Africa (South Africa). These are the former resettlement colonies (dominions) of Great Britain, which actually did not know feudalism, and even today they are distinguished by some peculiarity of political and economic development. Usually, Israel is included in this group.
Fourth subgroup is still in the process of formation. It was formed in 1997, after such countries and territories of Asia as the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan were transferred to the category of economically developed. These states come close to other economically developed countries in terms of per capita GDP. They have a broad and diverse economic structure, including a rapidly growing service sector, and are actively involved in world trade.
Tasks and tests on the topic "Economically developed countries"
- Countries of the world - Earth population 7th grade
Lessons: 6 Tasks: 9
- The population and countries of South America - South America Grade 7
Lessons: 4 Tasks: 10 Tests: 1
- The population and countries of North America - North America Grade 7
Lessons: 3 Tasks: 9 Tests: 1
- India - Eurasia Grade 7
Lessons: 4 Tasks: 9 Tests: 1
- Economic activities of the world's population - Earth population 7th grade
Lessons: 3 Tasks: 8 Tests: 1
Leading ideas: the level of economic and social development of a country is largely determined by its geographical position and development history; the diversity of the modern political map of the world - a system that is in constant development and whose elements are interconnected.
Key concepts: Territory and border of the state, economic zone, sovereign state, dependent territories, republic (presidential and parliamentary), monarchy (absolute, including theocratic, constitutional), federal and unitary state, confederation, gross domestic product (GDP), human development (HDI), developed countries, G-7 countries of the West, developing countries, NIS countries, key countries, oil exporting countries, least developed countries; political geography, geopolitics, GWP of the country (region), UN, NATO, EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR, APR, OPEC.
Skills and abilities: To be able to classify countries according to various criteria, give a brief description of groups and subgroups of countries of the modern world, assess the political and geographical position of countries according to plan, identify positive and negative features, note the change in GWP over time, use the most important economic and social indicators to characterize (GDP, GDP per capita, human development index, etc.) of the country. Identify the most important changes on the political map of the world, explain the reasons and predict the consequences of such changes.
Developed countries
Developed countries are countries that occupy leadership positions in the global economy. According to statistics, today only 15% of the world's inhabitants live in these countries, but more than half of the gross output is produced. The most developed countries of the world have a high standard of living and large reserves of capital. They are also characterized by a uniform distribution of income and social orientation of the economy.
In particular, these are investments in science, medicine, and environmental protection. An economically developed country, as a rule, is an exporter of not only products, but also capital. The vast majority of the population of such a country are engaged in highly productive labor.
The International Monetary Fund currently includes 30 countries in the list of economically developed countries. Here is this list: Austria, Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Spain, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, USA, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia , Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan.
In the group of countries with high development, the so-called “Big Seven” stands out - these are the leading countries of the world economy in the USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy. They achieved the highest labor productivity and reached the highest rates in science and technology. The G-7 accounts for 50% of world imports, and if we summarize the industrial production of countries considered developed, 80% of these countries produce.
USA has been a leader for hundreds of years
The United States has been considered the undisputed leader in the list of developed countries for nearly a century. However, at the beginning of this century, due to economic crises and due to the active growth of developing countries, the US weight in the global economy fell slightly. In particular, US GDP for 2011 reached 15.2 trillion. dollars, and public debt by 2011 amounted to 15.33 trillion. dollars.
According to Jim O’Neill, head of GSAM, the largest investment banking group, the traditional division of countries into developing and economically developed is now outdated. Today, one of the most developed can be considered the Chinese economy, showing a steady 15% annual growth. In terms of nominal GDP, Japan, France and Germany also took the lead. High GDP growth was recorded in Brazil, the UK and Italy. International experts believe that Russia and India can already be excluded from the list of developing countries. In particular, Russia in 2011 took 9th place in terms of GDP, and today in PPP is in sixth place.
These include the United States, Canada, Western European countries, Japan, the Australian Union, South Africa, Israel and New Zealand. These states are distinguished by a mature level of development of market relations. Their role in world politics and economics is great; they have powerful scientific and technical potential. But we can distinguish within this group three main subtypes:
1.1. The main capitalist countries: USA, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy.
These are the most developed countries in the world in terms of their economic and scientific-technical potential. They differ from each other by the features of their development and economic power, but all of them are united by a very high level of development and the role they play in the world economy.
This group of countries includes six states from the famous “Big Seven”. Among them, the first place in terms of economic potential is occupied by the United States.
1.2. Economically highly developed small western countries. Europe: Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland.
These countries have reached a high level of development, but each of them, unlike the main capitalist countries, has 28 much narrower specialization in the world economy. At the same time, they direct up to half of their products to the foreign market. In the economy of these countries, a large share of non-production sphere (banking, the provision of various services, tourism business, etc.).
1.3. Countries of "resettlement capitalism": Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel.
The first four countries are former colonies of Great Britain. Capitalist relations arose in them as a result of the economic activities of immigrants from Europe. But unlike the United States, which at one time was also a resettlement colony, their development had some peculiarities.
Despite the high level of development, these states retain the agrarian and raw material specialization that prevailed in their foreign trade in the colonial period. But such specialization in the international division of labor differs significantly from that of developing countries, as it is combined with a highly developed domestic economy.
Israel is a small state formed at the expense of immigrants after the Second World War in Palestine (located after the First World War under the mandate of the League of Nations under the control of Great Britain).
Canada is one of the “big seven” economically advanced countries, but by the type and characteristics of the development of its economy, it belongs to this group.
The second group in this typology includes:
B. Countries with an average level of development of capitalism. There are few such countries. They differ from the states included in the first group both in history and in terms of their socio-economic development. Among them, one can also distinguish subtypes:
2.1. A country that has achieved political independence and an average level of economic development under the rule of the capitalist system: Ireland.
The current level of economic development and political independence in Ireland were achieved at the cost of an extremely difficult national struggle against imperialism. More recently, Finland also belonged to this subtype. However, at present, this country is included in the group of “Economically Highly Developed Countries”.
2.2. Developed countries: Spain, Greece, Portugal.
In the past, these states have played an important role in world history. Spain and Portugal created huge colonial empires in the era of feudalism, but later lost all their possessions.
Despite the well-known successes in the development of industry and services, in terms of development, these countries as a whole lag behind economically developed countries.
Highly developed countries, how are they distinguished from the total number of states? How to determine whether one or another state can be called highly developed?
The international statistical services for ranking countries use a special indicator called the HDI (Human Development Index). It is he who is the main criterion for determining the level of development of the country. Depending on its indicator, the level of development of the state can be characterized from “low” to “very high”. Most highly developed countries Are those whose human development index is close to 1.
The value of the HDI depends on several factors. Such indicators as life expectancy, level of education, quality of life, well-being of children, equipment and level of health care, economic well-being and simply human happiness of the population are evaluated. Counting formulas use all these variables as factors. Based on the data obtained, ten of the best countries for human life are determined. Critics (especially from countries that are not in the top ten) consider the estimate using the HDI inaccurate and vague. However, having become acquainted with the top list of ten highly developed countries, every sane person will understand that the error, if any, is very small.
Highly Developed Countries Top 10
1.Norway
Rating: 0.943
The Kingdom of Norway is a country ruled by monarchs for a long time and can be proud of its excellent educational level and impressive low unemployment rate. This country, the first of all states, in 1163 officially proclaimed the right to inherit the throne. Much later, already in 1814, a constitutional monarchy was proclaimed in the country.
The average life expectancy of Norwegians is 80.2 years, and there are simply no people living below the poverty line in the state. Norway has become one of the main founding countries of NATO, but the country rejected the proposal to join the EU. Despite this fact, Norway still maintains friendly neighborly relations with all European powers. In addition, Norway has become one of the sponsors (in addition to what is considered one of the founders) of the UN, it is also a leading member of the OECD and the WTO. The Kingdom is rich, it owns the world's largest reserves of oil, gas, timber, various minerals, fresh water, and seafood. Norway has received universal international recognition for the development of world health, improving the advanced foundations of the education system, and improving social security systems for citizens. Thanks to these factors, the Kingdom of Norway deservedly occupies an honorable first place in the ranking of highly developed countries compiled by the UN.
2.Australia
Rating: 0.929
Australia takes only 13th place in the world ranking in terms of economic development (its GDP is $ 918.978 billion) and 5th place in per capita income ($ 40836). In Australia, the federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy is a form of government. This country occupies a leading position in the rating on the quality of life: happy people live, there is quality healthcare and a good education system (100% literacy and a large percentage of educational institutions per capita). It is important for every person that the rights and freedoms of citizens are respected in this country: full protection of human rights, economic and civil freedom.
22.7 million residents of the state are satisfied with a stable government that protects the interests of their citizens, peace and sustainable development of the state, measures to protect the environment, life expectancy (81.2 years). In addition, Australians are pleased that Australia is a fantastically popular country to visit: tourists from all over the world are eager to come here to get in touch with wildlife, protected by people, nature and see beautiful cities, for example, Sydney.
3.Most developed countries: Netherlands
Rating: 0.910
Nominally, the Netherlands (the more popular but officially incorrect name of the Netherlands) is ruled by a monarch (King Willem-Alexander), but, in fact, the state is controlled by a democratic parliament. Over the years of development, the Netherlands has been able to achieve high levels of education and literacy, with the practical absence of the poor and unemployment. The Netherlands plays a leading role in the activities of the WTO, EU, OECD and NATO. The state is often called the "legal capital of the world", as there are the main legal instances of the five judicial international systems. The state GDP is impressive ($ 832.160 billion), which translates to $ 49,950 in terms of per capita. According to a survey conducted in 2011, 16,700,000 people live in the Netherlands who consider themselves happy people. Holland is a country with a stable economy, an honest government, small taxes and amazing cities (the capital of Amsterdam is an example). People here live a full, healthy and happy life; its average duration is 79.8 years.
4. United States of America
Rating: 0.910
America has come a long way since 1776, when, after the victory over the British in the American Revolution, a new state appeared. Today, having overcome many difficulties (civil war, Great Depression, participation in world wars), the United States has become the most influential state on the planet. The states have the largest GDP ($ 15 trillion, which equals $ 48,147 per unit of population). The United States is one of the world's major commodity importers and exporters. The USA is a very multinational state, for example, in California, out of almost 40 million people, 50% of the total are immigrants from Asia, Latin America and Africa.
But in terms of human happiness in the United States, everything is not particularly rosy, here the States are losing points a lot. Of the 315 million people in the country, 15% are considered poor, unemployment averages 9% (and in some states it reaches 14%). Experts argue that the American education system lags far behind similar systems in most developed countries. The United States also loses points in the field of health, since, although life expectancy is relatively high at 79 years, obesity is growing rapidly. This problem is present in 33% of the adult population, among children the figures are almost the same. In addition, for many years America has a huge debt to other states.
5.New Zealand
Rating: 0.908
Geographically, New Zealand is located on a remote small group of islands. Thus, the state can be proud of the stunning scenery and the free life of animals. To admire the amazing flora and fauna of these places, many tourists visit the country every year. Although New Zealand is ruled by parliament, the head of state is the monarch, Elizabeth II. The country has excellent indicators of living standards and the happiness of citizens. This state is an active supporter of the world, an advocate of the environment and animals. Zealand's GDP is $ 157.877 trillion ($ 35,374, per person). The population of the island nation is about 4.3 million people. Specialists praise the country's education, literacy and sanitary standards. Perhaps this explains a significant life expectancy (an average of 80.2 years). In addition to the beauties of nature, New Zealand has something to admire. For example, magnificent modern cities such as Wellington.
6.Canada
Rating: 0.908
Canada is the second country in the world after Russia in terms of occupied territory. The parliamentary democracy of the country coexists perfectly with the constitutional monarchy. Even this country’s anthem has two - "Oh Canada" and "God Save the Queen." Economically, the country is well developed (per capita GDP is $ 511,147 with a total GDP of $ 1,758 billion). The population of Canada is considered one of the most educated and intelligent in the world. This is confirmed by the fact that most Canadians speak two or even three languages. Thanks to a developed and well-functioning healthcare system, the average life expectancy of Canadians is at around 80.7 years. Taxes in the country are low, and approximately 34.7 million inhabitants inhabit the country. Many tourists visit the country every year to take a look at Niagara Falls or visit the capital of Ottawa and the ancient city of Quebec.
7. Ireland
Rating: 0.908
In Ireland, which is governed by parliamentary democracy, the population is only 4.5 million inhabitants. The Irish literacy rate is high (99%), life expectancy is estimated at an average of 78.9 years. GDP - $ 203.89 trillion ($ 45,497 per person). The state stands guard over the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Ireland has been hit hard by the economic crisis that began in 2008. The country has accumulated enormous debts, however, the country successfully cooperates with the leading EU states (with France and Germany) and is successfully advancing in solving this problem.
8.Lichtenstein
Rating: 0.905
The little principality of Liechtenstein provides its citizens with a dignified, comfortable and joyful life. This country is one of the least populated countries in the world. For every person in the 35,000 population, there is a high GDP ($ 141,000). At the same time, the country has many zero indicators: zero level of poverty, unemployment and zero government debt. The Principality is famous for its very low taxes. If ever you feel like making a fascinating trip to Europe, then go to Liechtenstein. There you can explore the capital of the Grand Duchy of Vaduz and visit the majestic Castle, which has been the home of the princely family for many years, as well as chat with someone out of 5100 residents of the glorious cozy city.
9.Germany
Rating: 0.905
Germany is one of the most economically developed European countries. A high level of education provided 100% literacy of the German population, and 82.2 million people live in the country.
German advanced technology, especially in the automotive industry, has proven itself throughout the world. German cars of various brands (Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW) are popular due to the reliability of the design and build quality, which was made possible thanks to the use of highly skilled workforce. Germans have a lifespan of 79.4 years. The country's GDP is $ 3.5 trillion, which is $ 40,631 per capita. Despite the fact that unemployment in the Federal Republic of Germany takes place (it amounts to about 7%), the poverty rate is extremely low.
10.Sweden
Rating: 0.904
The Kingdom of Sweden, with its capital of Stockholm and a population of 9.3 million, is an economically sustainable European state. A small territory (the country is comparable in size to the US state of California) did not prevent the state from becoming financially strong and independent. Swedes are one of the wealthiest ($ 35,876 of GDP per person) and the happiest people on the planet. In addition to economic stability, liberal Sweden is characterized by environmental sustainability, significant life expectancy (80.9 years), and a high level of health care and education.
Different houses, different cars, different amounts of money. What is the concept of economic inequality? What characteristics are inherent in developed countries and developing countries?
What is economic inequality?
There are a number of differences between developed and developing countries. In almost any city, you can see various houses, cars and people engaged in various activities. These differences can be indicators of economic inequality, which is a hallmark of individuals or entire groups in terms of wealth, assets or income. Although most often you can see the differences in the economic level in your city, economic inequality can also be wider, affecting entire nations and nations.
Two types of countries
Economically, the world was divided into two types - developed countries and developing countries. These two categories are mainly based on per capita income, which is calculated by taking into account the total national income for the country and dividing it by the number of people living in the country. For example, if a small country has a total national income of $ 800,000 and a population of 20,000, then per capita income is $ 40.
The most important characteristics of developing countries
Least developed (developing) countries have the following common features:
- Low standard of living. Among the reasons: the slow growth of national income, stagnating growth rates of per capita income, the concentration of income in the hands of several people and the uneven distribution of national income, low levels of health care, low literacy and lack of educational opportunities.
- Low level of labor productivity due to lack of technology, capital, etc.
- High population growth. Underdeveloped countries are characterized by higher population growth rates. Mortality rates are also high compared with developed countries.
- High and rising unemployment and underemployment. Some work less than they could. Part-time jobs also include those who usually work full-time, but who do not have suitable vacancies. Disguised unemployment is a feature of developing countries.
- Substantial dependence on agricultural production. The vast majority of people, almost three quarters, work in rural areas. Similarly, three quarters of the workforce is employed in agriculture. The contribution of agriculture to the gross national product of developing countries is very high compared with developed countries.
- Dependence on the primary product. Most economies from less developed countries focus on primary production, rather than secondary activity. These commodities constitute the main export to other countries.
- Dependence in international relations. The highest unequal distribution of economic and political power between rich and poor countries is manifested not only in the dominant power of rich countries to control international trade, but also in their ability to often dictate the conditions in which technology, foreign aid and private capital are directed to the needs of developing countries.
- The dualistic economy. Almost all developed countries have a dualistic economy. One of them is a market economy; Another is the economy of subsistence farming. One is in the city and not far from it; The other is in the countryside.
- Distribution of wealth. Inequality in wealth and asset allocation is the main cause of uneven income distribution in rural areas. the highest concentration of assets is on the industrial front in the hands of large business houses.
- Lack of natural resources: fertile land, clean water and mineral resources, iron, coal, etc.
- Lack of entrepreneurship and initiative. Another characteristic feature of underdeveloped countries is the lack of entrepreneurial prospects. Entrepreneurship is hindered by a social system that denies the possibility of creativity.
- Ineffective capital equipment and technology.
Developed nations
The first economic category is developed countries, which can usually be classified as countries with more industrial development and with a higher level of per capita income. To be considered a developed country, a country usually has a per capita income of about $ 12,000. In addition, in most developed countries, the average per capita income is approximately $ 38,000.
As of 2010, the list of developed countries included the USA, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Singapore, Taiwan, Israel, Western Europe and some Arab states. In 2012, the combined population of these countries was about 1.3 billion people. This indicator is relatively stable and, according to estimates, over the next 40 years it will grow at around 7%.
In addition to high per capita incomes and stable population growth rates, developed countries are also characterized by resource use patterns. In developed countries, people consume a large amount of natural resources per person and are estimated to consume almost 88% of the world's resources.
Developing nations
The first economic category is developed countries, and developing countries are, respectively, the second economic category. This broad concept includes countries that are less industrialized and have lower per capita incomes. Developing countries can be divided into more developed or less developed countries.
Moderately developed countries have an approximate per capita income of between $ 1,000 and $ 12,000. The average per capita income for moderately developed countries is around $ 4,000. The list of moderately developed countries is very long and amounts to about 4.9 billion people. Some of the most recognizable countries that are considered moderately developed include Mexico, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Thailand, Fiji, and Ecuador. In addition to them are the states of Central America, South America, North and South Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, the former USSR and many Arab states.
Less developed countries are the second type of developing country. They are characterized by the lowest income, with a total per capita income of approximately less than $ 1,000. In many of these countries, the average per capita income is even lower - around $ 500. Countries listed as less developed are in eastern, western, and central Africa, India, and other countries in southern Asia. In 2012, about 0.8 billion people lived in these countries, and they lived with very low incomes.
Although the income range is quite large, almost 3 billion people still live on less than $ 2 a day. Can you imagine a life of less than $ 2 a day? That would be a very difficult task for most of us. In addition to low incomes, developing countries are also characterized by high population growth rates. It is estimated that over the next 40 years it will increase by 44%. By 2050, more than 86% of the population is projected to live in developing countries.
The difference between developed countries and developing countries
The classification of countries is based on economic status (GDP, GNP, per capita income, industrialization, living standards, etc.). Developed countries are sovereign states whose economies have advanced significantly and have a large technological infrastructure compared to other nations. Countries with low industrialization and low human development are called developing countries. Some states provide a free, healthy and wealthy atmosphere, while others do not.
Developed and developing countries: comparative table
There are developed, developing, transition countries. What is their main difference? The main features of developed and developing countries are presented in the table:
The developed countries | Developing countries |
The presence of an effective level of industrialization and individual income | A developing country is a country with a slow pace of industrialization and low per capita income. |
Low unemployment rate | Poverty and high unemployment |
The mortality rate, including infant, and fertility is low, and life expectancy is high. | High infant mortality, mortality and fertility rates, as well as low life expectancy |
Good standard and living conditions | Low level and satisfactory living conditions |
Developed manufacturing sector, service sector and high industrial growth. | Dependence on developed countries. Developed agricultural sector |
Equal distribution of income and efficient use of factors of production | Unequal distribution of income, factors of production are used inefficiently |
Countries in terms of economics and industrialization
Developed countries are countries that are developing in terms of economics and industrialization. They are also called the first and self-sufficient. Human development statistics evaluate countries based on their development. These countries have a high standard of living, high GDP, high child welfare, health care, excellent medical services, transportation, communications and educational institutions.
They provide improved housing and living conditions, industrial, infrastructural and technological development, a higher per capita income. These countries receive more income from the industrial sector than services, since they have a post-industrial economy. Along with others, the list of developed countries includes:
- Australia.
- Canada.
- France.
- Germany.
- Italy.
- Japan.
- Norway.
- Sweden.
- Switzerland.
- United States of America.
Countries that are experiencing entry-level industrial development along with low per capita income are known as developing countries. These countries belong to the category of third world countries. Economically developed and developing countries differ in many ways, including a low human development index, a lack of a healthy and safe living environment, a low gross domestic product, a high level of illiteracy, poor educational, transportation, communication and medical services, and unsustainable public debt, uneven income distribution, high mortality and fertility rates, malnutrition of both mother and baby, high infant eskoy mortality, poor living conditions, high unemployment and poverty. These include states such as:
- China.
- Colombia.
- India.
- Kenya.
- Pakistan.
- Sri Lanka.
- Thailand.
- Turkey.
- UAE and others
Key differences
Countries that are independent and prosperous are known as developed countries. The states that are facing the start of industrialization are called developing countries. The former have a higher per capita income, a high literacy rate, and good infrastructure. Health and safety conditions are constantly improving there, which are not found in developing countries.
The economies of developed and developing countries may have similarities, but there are more obvious differences. There is a big difference between such states. Developed countries have a high human development index, they have established themselves on all fronts and made themselves sovereign with their own efforts, while developing countries with varying success are still trying to achieve the same.
Socio-cultural characteristics
In one country, different types of social groups live. They differ on the basis of religion, castes and creeds, cultures and customs, languages \u200b\u200band beliefs, etc. These social and cultural values \u200b\u200bhave a profound effect on the economy of the nation. Developing countries can have dissonant social patterns in their economic lives. Employment opportunities or activities exist in urban areas, while the traditional method of production is used in rural areas. There are fewer job opportunities than required. Consequently, these countries have a dualistic economy, which leads to various problems with the formulation of economic policy.
Problems of developing countries: poverty, militarization
Poverty means low income, small investments, less industrialization. In a specific industrial and technological field, developing countries achieve rapid growth, provided that economic and geopolitical stability is achieved.
Militarization also hinders the stable prosperity and improvement. Some developing countries face terrorism and national security threats due to border disputes. They spend billions of dollars on the purchase of modern military equipment, which leads to a reduction in funds for development and innovation. Examples are India, China, Vietnam.
Education role
Speaking about the problems of developed and developing countries, one should not forget about the importance of education for the future of this or that nation. An important feature of a developing country is its illiteracy. Although efforts are being made to eradicate it, the problem of unskilled personnel remains acute to this day.