Developed countries

Developed countries are generally countries that are seen as being more advanced in terms of technologies in addition to having higher human development indexs and higher quality of life when compared to other countries. They generally have more advanced economies, which means the per capita income level and diversity of exports is generally higher. Moreover, developed countries cooperate more in global trade and the global economy.[1] This general term indicates the top group of countries in terms of advancement.

Figure 1. Map showing most and least developed countries.[2]

Generally speaking these countries have many amenities and resources that promote a high quality of life. Generally, birth rates are lower, people have a longer life expectancy, and individual income is higher. There is also better access to services like health care, education, electricity, and other amenities. Living in a developed country also frequently comes with a larger degree of personal security. As well, lifestyle in these countries tends to be different than most developed countries as agriculture is less predominant and urbanization is higher.[3] Urban population tends to be larger in these areas than rural population.

A few of the countries that can be seen as developing are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the US.[4]

For Further Reading

References

  1. Investopedia. (May 14, 2015). Developed Economies [Online]. Available: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/developed-economy.asp
  2. Wikimedia Commons. (May 14, 2015). Developed and Developing Countries [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Developed_and_developing_countries.PNG#/media/File:Developed_and_developing_countries.PNG
  3. Alok Kumar. (May 14, 2015). Major Characteristics of Developing Countries [Online]. Available: http://web.uvic.ca/~kumara/econ420/characteristics-dev.pdf
  4. CIA World Factbook. (May 14, 2015). Developed Countries [Online]. Available: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/appendix/appendix-b.html