A developing country is also known as an LMIC, or a low and middle income country. It is less developed than countries classified as “developed countries” but these nations are ranked higher than “less economically developed countries.” These countries are characterized by being less developed industrially and a lower Human Development Index when compared to other countries. However, developing countries do have the potential for high growth and security when evaluating factors including the standard of living, gross domestic product and per capita income. The term refers to the current state of a nation and is not used to determine changing dynamics or future progress.
There are several characteristics that are commonly held throughout developing countries. This includes health risks such as having low access to safe water, as well as sanitation and hygiene problems. There may also be high levels of pollution and a high percentage of people with infectious diseases. Other common characteristics include widespread poverty, low education and literacy levels and government corruption. There are also challenges in energy and higher rates of violence against women.
The United Nations has set a list of Sustainable Development Goals designed to help developing countries overcome these challenges. Development aid through federal governments and other agencies are distributed in order to help tackle the social, political, economic and environmental problems faced by these countries.