Underdeveloped Country

Underdeveloped Country Economy Primitive Technology Farming Manufacturing Industrialization Developing Countries Economic Development
An underdeveloped country is characterized by a low standard of living, an economy primarily based on primitive technologies for farming and manufacturing, and limited industrialization.
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Definition

Underdeveloped Country

An underdeveloped country is a nation where the economy relies heavily on basic, often primitive agricultural techniques and manufacturing. These countries typically exhibit low levels of industrialization, limited infrastructure, poor living conditions, and insufficient public services. The economic output and income per capita in underdeveloped countries are significantly lower compared to developed or developing nations.

Examples

  1. Chad: Chad’s economy primarily depends on subsistence agriculture, with outdated farming techniques and limited industrial production. The infrastructure is minimal, and public services are scarce.

  2. Haiti: Haiti suffers from underdevelopment due to debilitating political instability, lack of industrialization, and reliance on traditional, inefficient agricultural methods.

  3. Niger: Niger has a mainly agrarian economy, with a significant portion of its population engaged in primitive farming, and faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and industrial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes an underdeveloped country from a developing country?

An underdeveloped country has a lower level of industrialization, fewer infrastructure developments, and more primitive agricultural methods compared to a developing country, which is in transition with growing industrialization and improving infrastructure.

Can an underdeveloped country develop into a developed country?

Yes, underdeveloped countries can progress towards becoming developed nations through consistent investment in education, infrastructure, modernization of agriculture, industrialization, and improved governance.

What are the main challenges faced by underdeveloped countries?

Underdeveloped countries face numerous challenges including poverty, low educational attainment, inadequate healthcare systems, lack of technological advancements, political instability, and poor infrastructure.

Developed Countries

Countries that exhibit high levels of industrialization, advanced technological infrastructure, high living standards, and robust public services.

Developing Countries

Nations that are in the process of industrialization with growing economic development and improving infrastructure, positioned between underdeveloped and developed countries in terms of economic status.

Subsistence Agriculture

A type of farming where most of the produce is consumed by the farmer and their family, leaving little surplus for sale or trade.

Industrialization

The development process whereby a country transforms from primarily agrarian production to industrial manufacturing of goods.

Online References to Online Resources

  1. Wikipedia: Developed country
  2. Investopedia: Emerging Markets
  3. World Bank: The World Bank in Low & Middle Income

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Development as Freedom” by Amartya Sen
  2. “The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It” by Paul Collier
  3. “Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty” by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo

Fundamentals of Underdeveloped Country: Economic Development Basics Quiz

### What is a defining characteristic of an underdeveloped country? - [x] Primitive technology for farming and manufacturing - [ ] Advanced industrialization - [ ] High standard of living - [ ] Robust infrastructure > **Explanation:** Underdeveloped countries primarily rely on primitive technology for farming and manufacturing, leading to lower living standards and limited industrialization. ### Name a key factor that prevents economic development in underdeveloped countries. - [ ] Excessive industrialization - [ ] High income per capita - [x] Political instability - [ ] Advanced healthcare > **Explanation:** Political instability is a significant barrier to development, impeding economic progress, infrastructure development, and access to essential services. ### What is a common economic activity in underdeveloped countries? - [ ] Highly advanced manufacturing - [ ] Technological innovation - [ ] Advanced banking and finance sectors - [x] Subsistence agriculture > **Explanation:** Subsistence agriculture is common in underdeveloped countries, with most farming done for local consumption rather than commercial purposes. ### Can an underdeveloped country transition to a developed country? - [x] Yes, with sufficient investment and reforms - [ ] No, it is impossible - [ ] Only through colonization - [ ] Only within a few years > **Explanation:** An underdeveloped country can transition to a developed nation with sustained investments in education, infrastructure, governance, and industrialization. ### What are often lacking in underdeveloped countries? - [ ] Mineral resources - [x] Infrastructure and public services - [ ] Natural beauty - [ ] Cultural heritage > **Explanation:** Underdeveloped countries often lack adequate infrastructure and public services such as healthcare and education, hindering economic development. ### How do underdeveloped countries primarily support their economies? - [ ] Advanced tourism - [ ] Financial markets - [ ] High-tech industries - [x] Primitive farming techniques > **Explanation:** Economies in underdeveloped countries are primarily supported by primitive farming techniques and basic manufacturing practices. ### Which sector is least likely to be prominent in an underdeveloped country? - [ ] Agriculture - [ ] Mining - [ ] Small-scale manufacturing - [x] Financial technology industries > **Explanation:** Financial technology industries are least likely to be prominent because underdeveloped countries often have limited technological and educational resources. ### What often characterizes the workforce in underdeveloped countries? - [ ] High levels of technical expertise - [ ] Abundance of job opportunities - [x] Low educational attainment and skill levels - [ ] High income levels > **Explanation:** The workforce in underdeveloped countries often has low levels of educational attainment and skill due to insufficient access to quality education and job training programs. ### What kind of migration is common from underdeveloped to developed countries? - [x] Labor migration - [ ] Migration for leisure - [ ] Political migrations - [ ] None of these > **Explanation:** Labor migration is common as individuals move from underdeveloped to developed countries seeking better employment opportunities and living conditions. ### Underdeveloped countries often show: - [ ] Improved public infrastructure - [ ] High-income economy - [x] High levels of poverty - [ ] Advanced technological adoption > **Explanation:** Underdeveloped countries often exhibit high poverty levels due to inadequate income, limited industrialization, and insufficient public services.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals and key characteristics of underdeveloped countries, and for tackling our economic development quiz questions. Continue expanding your knowledge!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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Less-Developed Country (LDC) January 1, 1
Capital Goods January 1, 1
Developed Countries January 1, 1
Developing Countries January 1, 1
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Industry January 1, 1
LDC (Less-Developed Country) January 1, 1
Underdeveloped Country January 1, 1

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