The special category is represented on a global scale by the least developed countries. In these states extremely low level of poverty, economy very weak, people and resources are subject to influence of elements.
On the last researches and calculations to the least developed countries of the world carry 48 of existing. Changes are entered in this list each 3 years. Checks and calculations are carried out by Economic and Social Council (EKOSOS). And the structure of group of the least developed countries approves the UN. The similar term for designation of the underdeveloped states was accepted in 1971. To be included in the list of the least developed countries, it is necessary to meet three criteria which are put forward by the UN and in order that the country was excluded from the list – it is necessary to exceed the minimum threshold on two values. The offered criteria:
- economic vulnerability (instability of export, agriculture, industry);
- low income level (calculation of GDP per capita for last 3 years is made. For inclusion in the list – less than $750 the USA, for an exception – more than $900 the USA);
- the low level of development of human resources (the real standard of living on indicators of health, food, literacy of adults, education is estimated).
Anyway, reckoning to group of the least developed countries though is based on economic indicators, is subjective.
List of the underdeveloped states
For last 40 years only 3 countries could leave this list. These are Maldives, Botswana and Cape Verde.
The list of the least developed countries is also called as the fourth world. They are allocated from the countries of the third world more due to the lack of any progress. Most often the states do not develop because of civil wars.
The main part of the least developed countries is located in Africa (33 countries), in Asia the second largest group (14 countries) is located, and one country is in Latin America - it is Haiti. From the most known states it is possible to call such:
- The least developed countries of Africa – Angola, Guinea, Madagascar, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia;
- The least developed countries of Asia – Afghanistan, Nepal, Yemen.
Bright example of distinction of the developed states and countries of the fourth world it is possible to present that the fact that 13% of all world population forcedly to survive for 1-2 dollars a day, at the same time, the person in the developed country spends the same sum for a cup of tea.
International community and underdeveloped states
Often developed and developing countries, for the help to the least developed countries, remove from them a duty to pay duties and to carry out quotas when importing goods. The international community develops and adopts programs for support such states. A special role in such help is played by powers which never owned colonies, but have experience of the underdeveloped country. These states can help with a necessary key, but is not selective and selective as the countries with the big history of colonizations paying special attention to the former colonies and the neighboring territories.
The last conference of the UN on least developing countries took place in May, 2011 in Istanbul. There the development program, supports and control for the next 10 years was adopted, it is recorded in The Istanbul declaration. Also the Turkish foreign minister made the proposal on change of the name of this group of the countries. He suggested to call them The developed countries of the future or Potentially developing countries. This offer was taken cognizance. There are opinions that the conference in Turkey can become a critical point in development of the world states, fight against poverty and an exit to a new stage of world economy.