Different houses, different cars, different amounts of money. What is the concept of economic inequality? What are the characteristics of developed countries and developing countries?

What is economic inequality?

There are a number of differences between developed and developing countries. You can see it in almost any city various houses, cars and people involved various types activities. These differences may be indicators of economic inequality, which is distinctive feature individuals or entire population groups in terms of their wealth, assets or income. Although most often you can see differences in economic level in one's city, economic inequality can also occupy a broader scale, affecting entire peoples and nations.

Two types of countries

Economically, the world has been divided into two types - developed countries and developing countries. These two categories are based primarily on per capita income, which is calculated by taking the total national income for a 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 the 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. Reasons include: slow growth of national income, stagnant growth of per capita income, concentration of income in the hands of a few and uneven distribution of national income, poor health care, low literacy rates and insufficient educational opportunities.
• Low level of labor productivity due to lack of technology, capital, etc.
• High population growth rates. Underdeveloped countries have higher population growth rates. Mortality rates are also high compared to developed countries.
• High and rising levels of unemployment and underemployment. Some work less than they could. Part-time workers also include those who usually work full-time but who do not have suitable vacancies. Disguised unemployment is a feature of developing countries.
• Significant dependence on agricultural production. The vast majority of people, almost three quarters, work in rural areas. Likewise, three quarters work force are employed in agriculture. Contribution Agriculture in gross national product developing countries is very high compared to developed countries.
• Dependence on the primary product. Most economies from less developed countries are focused on primary production rather than secondary activities. These commodities constitute the main export to other countries.
• Dependency in international relations. The highly unequal distribution of economic and political power between rich and poor countries is evident not only in the dominant power of rich countries to control international trade, but also in their ability to often dictate the terms in which technology, foreign aid and private capital is directed to the needs of developing countries.
• Dualistic economics. Almost all developed countries have dualistic economies. One of them is the market economy; The other is subsistence economics. One is in and near the city; The other is in the countryside.
• Wealth distribution. Inequality in wealth and asset distribution is a major cause of unequal income distribution in rural areas. The highest concentration of assets is on the industrial front in the hands of large business houses.
• Absence natural resources: fertile lands, clean water and mineral resources, iron, coal, etc.
• Lack of entrepreneurship and initiative. One more characteristic feature underdeveloped countries is the lack of entrepreneurial prospects. Entrepreneurship is inhibited by a social system that denies the possibility of creativity.
• Inefficient capital equipment and technology.

Developed nations

First economic category are developed countries that can generally be classified as being more industrialized and having a higher level of per capita income. To be considered a developed country, a country typically has a per capita income of around US$12,000. Additionally, most developed countries have an average per capita income of 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 European countries and some Arab states. In 2012, the combined population of these countries was about 1.3 billion people. This figure is relatively stable and is estimated to grow at around 7% over the next 40 years.

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 large amounts 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, accordingly, the second economic category. This broad concept includes countries that are less industrialized and have lower per capita income. Developing countries can be classified into more developed or less developed countries.

Moderately developed countries have an approximate per capita income of between US$1,000 and US$12,000. The average per capita income for moderately developed countries is around US$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 Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, of Eastern Europe, former USSR and many Arab states.

Less developed countries are the second type of developing countries. They have the lowest income, with a total per capita income of approximately less than US$1,000. In many of these countries, the average per capita income is even lower, around US$500. Countries listed as less developed are in eastern, western and central Africa, India and other countries in southern Asia. In 2012, these countries had approximately 0.8 billion people living on very little income.

Even though the income range is quite wide, almost 3 billion people still live on less than $2 a day. Can you imagine living on less than $2 a day? This would be a very difficult task for most of us. In addition to low income levels, developing countries are also characterized by high population growth rates. It is estimated to increase by 44% over the next 40 years. By 2050, it is predicted that more than 86% of the population will live in developing countries.

Difference between developed countries and developing countries

Country classification is based on economic status(GDP, GNP, per capita income, industrialization, standard of living, etc.) The developed countries belong to 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 prosperous atmosphere, while others lack this.

Developed and developing countries of the world: comparative table

There are developed, developing and 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
Availability of effective level of industrialization and individual income	A developing country is a country with a slow rate of industrialization and low per capita income
Low unemployment rate	Poverty and high unemployment
Mortality rates, including infant mortality, and birth rates are low, and life expectancy is high.	High level infant mortality, mortality and birth rates, as well as low life expectancy
Good standard and living conditions	Low standard and satisfactory living conditions
Developed manufacturing sector, service sector and high industrial growth.	Dependence on developed countries. Developed agricultural sector of the economy
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 economy and industrialization

Developed countries are countries that are developing in terms of economy and industrialization. They are also called first and self-sufficient. Human development statistics rank countries based on their development. These states have a high standard of living, high GDP, high child welfare, healthcare, excellent medical services, transport, communications and educational institutions.

They provide improvement living conditions and living conditions, industrial, infrastructural and technological development, higher per capita income. These countries receive more income from the industrial sector compared to the service sectors because they have post-industrial economy. Along with others, the list of developed countries includes:

• Australia.
• Canada.
• France.
• Germany.
• Italy.
• Japan.
• Norway.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• USA.

Countries that are experiencing initial levels industrial development along with low per capita income, are known as developing countries. These countries are classified as third world countries. Economically developed and developing countries differ from each other in many respects, including low index human development, lack of a healthy and safe living environment, low gross domestic product, high illiteracy rates, poor educational, transport, communication and health services, unsustainable state debt, unequal income distribution, high mortality and fertility rates, malnutrition of both mother and infant, high infant mortality rate, poor living conditions, high unemployment and poverty. These include states such as:

• China.
• Colombia.
• India.
• Kenya.
• Pakistan.
• Sri Lanka.
• Thailand.
• Türkiye.
• UAE, etc.

Key Differences

Countries that are independent and prosperous are known as developed countries. States that are about to begin industrialization are called developing. The former have a higher per capita income, a high literacy rate, and good infrastructure. They are constantly improving health and safety conditions that do not exist in developing countries.

The economies of developed and developing countries may have similar features, but there are more obvious differences. There is a big difference between such states. Developed countries have a high Human Development Index, they have proven themselves on all fronts and have made themselves sovereign through their own efforts, while developing countries are still trying to achieve the same with varying degrees of success.

Socio-cultural characteristics

Live in the same country different types social groups. They differ on the basis of religion, castes and creeds, cultures and customs, languages ​​and beliefs, etc. These social and cultural values ​​have a profound impact on the economy of a nation. Developing countries may have dissonant social models in their economic life. Employment opportunities or activities exist in urban areas, while traditional method production is used in rural areas. Job opportunities are less than required. Consequently, these countries have a dualistic economy, which leads to various problems in formulating economic policies.

Problems of developing countries: poverty, militarization

Poverty is low income, little investment, less industrialization. In certain industrial and technological areas, developing countries achieve rapid growth provided that economic and geopolitical stability is achieved.

Militarization also prevents sustainable prosperity and improvement. Some developing countries are facing problems of terrorism and threats to national security due to border disputes. They spend billions of dollars on modern military equipment, resulting in reduced funds for development and innovation. Examples are India, China, Vietnam.

The role of education

Speaking about the problems of developed and developing countries, we should not forget about the importance of education for the future of a particular nation. Important feature of a developing country is its illiteracy. Although efforts are being made to eradicate it, the problem of unskilled labor remains acute to this day.

Or, as they are commonly called, developing territories, this is a clear confirmation economic principle"80%-20%". Only here is the ratio of the population to the world population. With 80% of the world's population, they produce and consume 20% of world GDP. Today, China opens the list of developing countries. According to Bloomberg (the largest supplier financial information in the world), GDP growth China over the next four years will be 46%. Such expansion will provide the Chinese economy with almost global dominance. To our chagrin, Russia ranks 9th on the Bloomberg list.

Who falls into this category?

The indicators by which states are included in the list of developing countries are GDP growth, the ratio of public debt to GDP, inflation, and the “ease of doing business” category coefficient. So here's the news entrepreneurial activity According to this version, it is 21 points more difficult in the Russian Federation than in China. And this despite the fact that China's coefficient is very high.

Imperfect world

So what are these developing countries of the world, the list of which is constantly growing? These are the states of Asia, Africa, Latin America, characterized by an agrarian-raw materials economy and a rather poorly developed manufacturing industry, rapid population growth, low level education. But such a definition would be more suitable to the pre-perestroika picture of a bipolar world. Now the list of developing countries includes all the republics of the former socialist camp, South Korea, Russia. The good news is that we are in the top twenty of them.

Heterogeneity of the list of third world countries

Today, the list of which is opened by the most developed countries of Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) and Asia (South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong) can be divided into five groups.

Developing countries or third world countries characterized by a low level of social economic development . Despite their number, vast territory and population (80% of the Earth's population), they account for less than a third.

The main characteristics of a developing country are:

• Colonial or semi-colonial past
• Agricultural and raw material orientation of the economy
• Multistructure of the economy: pre-industrial type of production is adjacent to industrial and post-industrial
• Heterogeneity social structure society
• Poor labor quality
• Social tension
• Dependence on developed countries market economy, especially from foreign loans

List of developing countries

Developing countries mainly include countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Most advanced in economic sense are newly industrialized countries(NIS), which achieved high growth rates (more than 7% per year) through the effective use of national competitive advantages(excess of cheap labor, geographical location) and targeted restructuring of the economy in favor of knowledge-intensive technologies and services.

It is customary to distinguish newly industrialized countries:

• First wave: Hong Kong (Hong Kong), South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan;
• Second generation: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Chile;
• Third generation: Cyprus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Indonesia;
• Fourth generation: Philippines, southern China;

Oil producing countries

Oil-producing countries are, first of all, countries that are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (). Due to oil exports, they have a level comparable to developed countries. The one-sided nature of economic development does not allow them to be classified as developed countries.

Name developed countries

50 countries in Africa, Oceania, Latin America. They have an extremely backward patriarchal economy, which is characterized by low GDP per capita (less than $350). The share of the manufacturing industry is less than 10%. Literacy of the adult population does not exceed 20%.

Main economic strategies developing countries are: nationalization of resources captured by foreign capital, industrialization and sectoral diversification of the economy, protectionism, inflated exchange rate, import substitution and development of export-oriented industries. The idea of ​​collective self-reliance implies regional integration of developing countries.

Developing countries, the list of which includes the states of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe, are a special association of states that differ in the history of their development and have special specifications in running the economy. Key countries among developing countries are India, Brazil, China and Mexico.

Developing countries are approaching a new stage of their development, playing the role of one of the main actors in world relations.

The development of young states was facilitated by rising indicators in the global economy. They also insist that there be equal treatment between participants international business. Today, their economy is aimed at increasing trade turnover indicators; their role in global trade turnover is constantly increasing.

Third world countries, who is on this list?

What does the very concept of a 3rd world country mean? Wikipedia answers this question briefly - countries that did not take part in the Cold War. Initially, the term “Third World” had precisely this meaning. Now the third world is called countries with economic backwardness that are developing their economies.

States in Latin America, Asia and Africa fall into this classification.

I must say that this is a larger number of representatives of these continents.

The total population is about seventy-five percent and covers most of the earth's hemisphere.

Now let’s figure out which country is considered developing and why.

Main features of developing countries

Let's try to name them all:

• they are characterized by a relatively low standard of living;
• there is no “middle class”;
• financial investments of rich people are many times higher than the income of ordinary citizens;
• foreign investors are not attracted because there is no legal framework;
• tax reform has not been improved;
• the banking system is not developed;
• an effective management apparatus has not been created;
• due to small wages, the majority of citizens cannot afford a nutritious diet and the necessary level of medicine;
• high level of unemployment - more than thirty-five percent of the population does not have a regular income;
• in third world countries there is a very high birth rate - from twenty to fifty births per thousand of the population;
• underage young people (and this is more than 40% of the total) do not have a job, part-time job or any business that brings in at least some income;
• very high mortality rate.

Developing countries - definition

Developing countries include:

1. Those states that have a low level of GDP per person. The comparison is made with Western states and second world countries (more developed socialist ones).
2. States with underdeveloped economies and scientific and technical potential. At the same time, there are sufficient reserves of natural resources.
3. Some of their representatives are former colonies. In Asia - Nepal, Bhutani and Yemen. In Latin America - Haiti, representatives of the African continent - Niger, Sudan, Chad, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mauritania and others.

List of developing countries

So, we have given a basic definition and listed the characteristic features of developing countries in the world.

Their list is divided into:

• first world countries;
• second world states (many socialist, including our Russia);
• 3rd world countries or developing countries.

This is interesting: Initially, the concept of “third world country” referred to those states that did not participate in the Cold War. Now it characterizes economic indicators states.

Let's give a list of developing or classic developing countries of the world (they are the same thing).

The list is as follows:

1. Representatives of the classical third world in Europe are: Pakistan, Mongolia, India, Egypt and the countries located to the south of them, many Arab: Syria, Albania, Iran. Characteristically: there are sources of accumulation of resources within the country, they are diverse, but the population is on the verge of starvation.
2. The following representatives are oil refining states: , Saudi Arabia, . Characteristically, only one economic sector is developed - oil production and export. There are large deposits of petroleum products in the territories. The government does not care about the development of other industries, which are not even shown in statistical indicators.
3. The list of African countries includes: Tanzania, Togo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Western Sahara; Asia: Laos and Kampuchea; Latin America: Honduras, Tahiti, Guiana. Characteristically: there is the required amount of resources, but it is not enough to fully provide for the population. Lack of external investment and undeveloped production. The government is focused on importing products and has no interest in developing its own industry. Large population growth does not improve income levels, but causes starvation and increased mortality. This group supplies inexpensive raw materials, residents often travel to other countries (1st and 2nd world) for low-paid jobs.
4. Central Asia - , Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, . Characteristically: there are signs of 2nd world states left over from being part of the Soviet republic. These elements decrease and do not develop.

Emerging economies - 2018 list

1. China has occupied the leading position since 1978. Its economy is considered to be one of the fastest growing. The average income per person is $3,700.
2. India is in second place, its GDP amounted to 1.3 trillion. dollars. The agricultural sector (rice, cotton, tea, potatoes) and industry (textile production, oil refining industry) are developed.
3. Russia – the main income is the export of oil and gas.
4. Israel, and many others.

   Based on fundamental economic indicators, per capita income level, underdeveloped economy, low standard of living, dependence on developed European countries, small volumes of the domestic market, undeveloped industrial sector, the UN commission classified these countries as 3rd world countries.

   It is important: The activities of the governments of these countries can influence and change established concepts and indicators. Must be taken necessary reforms, attract potential investors, improve the standard of living of the population with the help economic growth and development.

   Watch this latest video highlighting the potential of developing countries in Asia:
   

1. How does the economic way of life of the population of foreign countries in Europe and Africa differ?

Foreign Europe ranks first in the world economy in terms of industrial and agricultural production, exports of goods and services, and development international tourism.

The basis of the economy Foreign Europe- industry. The leading industry is mechanical engineering, which accounts for 1/3 of all industrial products and 2/3 of its exports. Foreign Europe is the birthplace of mechanical engineering, the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of machinery and industrial equipment.

One of the oldest industries in Foreign Europe is metallurgy. Ferrous metallurgy has developed in countries that traditionally have metallurgical fuel and raw materials: Germany, Great Britain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Poland, etc. last years The industry is seeing a shift towards ports. Large metallurgical plants were created in sea ​​ports(Genoa, Naples, Taranto in Italy, etc.) with a focus on imported raw materials and fuel. The most important branches of non-ferrous metallurgy - aluminum, lead-zinc and copper - have also received preferential development in countries with sources of mineral raw materials and cheap electricity (France, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain specialize in aluminum smelting; Germany, France, Poland are distinguished for the smelting of copper; Germany, Belgium - lead and zinc).

African countries, on the contrary, are distinguished not by manufacturing, but by extractive industries. Today, the volume of the mining industry is 1/4 of the world's production volume. In the extraction of many types of minerals, Africa has an important and sometimes monopoly place in the world. foreign world. It is the extractive industry that primarily determines Africa’s place in the MGRT.

The second branch of the economy that determines Africa's place in the world economy is tropical and subtropical agriculture. It also has a pronounced export orientation. But overall, Africa is lagging behind in its development. It ranks last among the regions of the world in terms of industrialization and agricultural productivity.

2. Which European countries had colonial possessions?

European countries that had colonial possessions: Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, Italy.

How do you think

Are all countries in the world classified as developed or developing countries?

Not all countries are classified as developed or developing countries. A small group of countries are classified as lagging countries. It includes countries with a low level of socio-economic development, in which GDP per capita does not exceed $750. These countries are called underdeveloped. There are over 60 of them: for example, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Ecuador. This group includes the least developed countries. As a rule, they have a narrow and even monocultural economic structure and a high degree of dependence on external sources of financing.

Let's test your knowledge

1. What is gross domestic product?

Gross domestic product is a macroeconomic indicator that reflects market value all final goods and services (that is, intended for direct consumption) produced during the year in all sectors of the economy on the territory of the state for consumption, export and accumulation, regardless of the nationality of the factors of production used.

2. Which countries belong to the group of developed countries of the world?

Developed countries of the world: USA, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy.

3. Which countries are called developing?

Developing countries include countries in which the value of GDP (GNP) per capita ranges from 8.5 thousand to 750 dollars. These countries include Greece, South Africa, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Oman, Libya. Adjacent to a large group of former socialist countries: for example, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Russia.

4. What are newly industrialized countries?

Newly industrialized countries (NICs) are a group of developing countries that have experienced a qualitative leap in socio-economic indicators over the past decades.

5. How are microcountries characterized?

Microcountries are island states that are tiny in area and have rich recreational resources. Having become major centers of international tourism and having a small population, some of them are distinguished by the highest GDP per capita.

pp. 20–22

Now for more difficult questions

1. Why greatest number poorest countries concentrated in Africa?

Due to the fact that for a long period of time African countries were colonies - economic situation the continent is in a state of decline. There are many modern reasons for this lag in development, however, the roots of the problem go back to the distant past, when “white” Europeans believed that they were more civilized, and therefore worthy of having people of a different skin color work for them. Throughout the slave trade, Africa lost over 100 million people. The slave trade dealt a blow to the development of the African continent, slowed down the development of agriculture and prevented the creation of African states. It was the slave trade that became one of the reasons that most of the population of Africa still lives in dire poverty.

Modern causes of poverty in African countries.

Illiteracy.

Most African countries have very low percentage literacy (from 6%-70%). This leads to difficulties in finding employment, and therefore the ability to earn money for what is necessary.

Civil conflicts and wars.

More than 12 countries in Africa are torn apart by internal civil wars. During wars, the traditional way of life collapses, and it becomes even more difficult to find a job and provide for the family with necessities. Where there is war, poverty and despair always reign.

Irrational use of land.

Half of all uncultivated land (202 million hectares) is in Africa. Agricultural productivity is four times lower than possible.

2. Why is the classification of countries by level of socio-economic development considered the most important? What is its practical significance?

The typology of countries by level of socio-economic development implies that the main criterion for this approach to analysis is the level of economic development of a particular country. This means, first of all, the volume of gross domestic product per capita. The higher this indicator, the greater the level of socio-economic development the state has.

Countries where the level of GDP per capita is maximum are economically developed and have a high level of development of market relations. Such countries have a powerful scientific and technical base, and their role in the development of the world economy is significant. They directly influence the course of global financial and political processes. Such countries include the USA, Japan, France, Great Britain, Italy and a number of others.

The volume of gross domestic product per capita is one of the key indicators of the development of a country. That is why the typology according to the level of socio-economic development is the most important.

3. The term “third world countries” began to be used to designate developing countries in the 60s. XX century. Think about what other two worlds were meant.

The Third World is a geographical term of the second half of the 20th century that denoted countries not directly involved in the Cold War and the accompanying arms race.

Third World (developing countries) - those countries that lag behind in their development the industrialized countries of the West (First World) and the industrialized former socialist countries (Second World).

4. What is the consequence of the economic backwardness of developing countries?

Consequences of the economic backwardness of developing countries:

Low level of education;

Low level of labor;

Low income and savings;

Poverty.

5. What are the ways to solve the problem of economic backwardness of countries?

Ways to solve the problem of economic backwardness of countries:

Carrying out socio-economic transformations in all areas;

Application of scientific and technological progress;

Development international cooperation, assistance from developed countries and the UN;

Demilitarization.

From theory to practice

Using the statistical data given in Table 5 and information about the population of countries around the world, calculate the GDP of the richest and poorest of these countries.

Bermuda - GDP per capita - $104,590, population - 65,024 people. GDP = 104590×65024 = 6.8 billion US dollars.

Democratic Republic of the Congo - GDP per capita - 230 US dollars, population - 78,736,153 people. GDP = 230×78736153 = 18.1 billion US dollars.

Final assignments on the topic of the section

1. The monarchical form of government is characteristic of:

B – Morocco

2. The unitary administrative-territorial structure is typical for:

G – France

3. The group of developed countries includes:

B – Austria

4. The G7 includes:

B – Italy

5. The countries of “settler capitalism” include:

B – New Zealand

6. Which of the following countries belongs to the group of microstates?

b, c, d, e – Monaco, Venezuela, San Marino, Luxembourg

7. Which of the following countries is characterized by a republican form of government? Write the answer as a sequence of letters in alphabetical order.

a, d, e – Nicaragua, Italy, Egypt

8. What statements characterize developed countries? Write the answer as a sequence of letters in alphabetical order.

a) High level of economic development.

b) High level of social development.

c) High GDP indicator per capita.

9. Arrange the countries in order of increasing area of ​​their territory, starting with the country with the smallest value of the indicated indicator.

UK, Brazil, Russia, Canada.

10. Establish a correspondence between the country and the features of its geographical location.