Difference between Developed and Developing Countries
Understanding the difference between developed and developing countries requires analysing social, political and economic factors such as standard of living, advanced technology, and economic stability.
Developed countries are those that are considered advanced and have strong economies while developing countries are those that are still growing and have weaker economies.
This article examines the difference between developed and developing countries and how they influence the lives of those residing within each.
Table of Contents
What is a developed country?
A developed country is characterised by a high standard of living, advanced technology, and a strong economy. These countries have developed infrastructure and a high level of industrialization.
Developed countries typically have high levels of education, healthcare, and social services, contributing to their higher standard of living.
Developed countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe. These countries have high GDP per capita and a corresponding high Human Development Index (HDI), indicating a good quality of life for their citizens.
Developed countries typically have strong political systems, with stable governments intended to ensure security and protection for citizens. Their legal systems are well-established and support protecting individual rights and upholding fairness in the justice system.
What is a developing country?
A developing country is still in the process of growth and development. Countries with weaker economies typically display high poverty levels, unemployment, and inequality. Compared to developed countries, they have limited infrastructure, technology, and resources.
Many African countries, some parts of Asia, and certain Latin American countries are classified as developing countries. These countries have low GDP per capita, and consequently, their citizens have lower incomes. Furthermore, they are also associated with a low Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting a lower quality of life.
Political instability, corruption, and weak institutions are common in developing countries. Many developing countries do not have established legal and regulatory frameworks, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to access basic services such as healthcare and education.
Developed vs developing countries
The difference between developed and developing countries include:
- Economic factors: Developed countries have more robust economies than developing countries. They have an increased number of industries, greater productivity levels, and higher GDP per capita. Advanced technology in developed countries is a contributing factor towards their economic success.
- Social factors: Developed countries typically enjoy higher levels of prosperity than developing countries. They have increased access to healthcare, better educational opportunities, and a wider range of social services. Developing countries frequently experience poverty, unemployment, and inequality at elevated levels.
- Political factors: Developed countries have stable political systems and strong institutions that protect individual rights and ensure a fair justice system. Developing countries often struggle with political instability, corruption, and weak institutions.
- Infrastructure: Developed countries have well-established infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and communication systems. Developing countries often lack basic infrastructure, making it difficult for businesses to operate and for individuals to access basic services.
- Environmental factors: Developed countries typically have lower pollution levels and more stringent environmental regulations than developing countries. Environmental degradation and pollution caused by industrialization and urbanization are common issues in developing countries.
Difference between developed and developing countries
Sure, here’s a table summarizing some of the main differences between developed and developing countries:
| Category | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES |
|---|---|---|
| Economic factors | Strong economies, advanced technology, high productivity | Weaker economies, less advanced technology, low productivity |
| Social factors | High standard of living, better healthcare and education | Lower standard of living, limited access to healthcare and education |
| Political factors | Stable political systems, strong institutions | Political instability, corruption, weak institutions |
| Infrastructure | Well-established infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and communication systems | Limited or poor infrastructure, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to operate |
| Environmental factors | Lower levels of pollution, better environmental regulations | Higher levels of pollution, struggling with environmental degradation and pollution |
It is important to note that this table is not exhaustive, and other factors certainly distinguish developed and developing countries.
What are the effects of being a developed or developing country?
People in developed countries typically have improved access to healthcare, education, social services, and higher living standards. They also have greater chances of gaining employment and achieving economic success.
People in developing countries often experience poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Lacking access to essential services such as healthcare and education may decrease the quality of life. Political instability and corruption are issues commonly faced by developing countries, potentially hindering business operations and individual growth.
Why are many developing countries poor?
Developing countries are often poorer than developed countries because of weak economies, low productivity levels, colonisation, political instability and corruption, inequality and low access to healthcare, lack of business investments and innovation, and poor environmental sanitation policies.
Developed vs Developing Countries: Poverty Issues
It’s worth noting that the above factors exacerbating poverty are interconnected and can reinforce each other in complex ways. For example, political instability can lead to economic underdevelopment, which in turn can exacerbate poverty and inequality.
Similarly, environmental degradation can have negative economic impacts, further entrenching poverty and inequality. To address these challenges, a holistic approach that addresses these interconnections is often necessary.