Difference Between Developed Countries and Developing Countries

The United Nations divides countries into two main groups: developed countries and developing countries. This classification is based on economic factors like GDP, GNP, per capita income, industrialization, and standard of living.

Developed countries are sovereign states with highly advanced economies and strong technological infrastructure compared to other nations. Countries with low industrialization and a low Human Development Index (HDI) are typically referred to as developing countries.

Definition of Developed Countries

Developed countries are nations that have advanced economies and high levels of industrialization. They are often referred to as advanced countries or first-world countries because they are self-sufficient and highly developed.

The Human Development Index (HDI) ranks countries based on their level of development. Developed countries are characterized by a high standard of living, high GDP, strong child welfare, quality healthcare, excellent infrastructure including transportation and communication, advanced education systems, good housing and living conditions, industrial and technological advancement, high per capita income, and increased life expectancy. These countries typically generate more revenue from the industrial sector compared to the service sector, indicating a post-industrial economy.

Here are some examples of Developed Countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United States

Definition of Developing Countries

Countries that are in the early stages of industrial development and have low per capita income are termed developing countries. They are often categorized as third-world countries or lower-developed countries.

Developing countries rely on support from developed nations to establish industries within their borders. These countries typically have a low Human Development Index (HDI), characterized by low Gross Domestic Product (GDP), high illiteracy rates, inadequate educational, transportation, communication, and medical facilities, unsustainable government debt, unequal distribution of income, high birth and death rates, malnutrition among both mothers and infants leading to high infant mortality rates, and significant levels of unemployment and poverty.

Here are some examples of developing countries:

• Colombia
• India
• Kenya
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Turkey

Key Differences Between Developed and Developing Countries

The main differences between developed and developing countries are as follows:

1. developed countries are those that are independent and prosperous, often characterized by advanced economies and high levels of industrialization. On the other hand, developing countries are those that are in the early stages of industrialization and typically have lower levels of economic development.
2. Developed countries generally have higher per capita incomes and Gross Domestic Products (GDP) than developing countries.
3. In developed countries, the literacy rate tends to be high, whereas in developing countries, the illiteracy rate is often high.
4. Developed countries has superior infrastructure and a safer and healthier environment compared to developing countries.
5. Developed countries make money in the industrial sector. On the other hand, developing countries make money in the service industry.
6. Developed countries generally generate a significant portion of their revenue from the industrial sector, whereas developing countries tend to rely more on revenue generated from the service sector.
7. Developed countries tend to effectively and efficiently utilize resources, whereas developing countries may face challenges in properly utilizing their resources.
8. In developed countries, the birth rate and death rate tend to be lower, while in developing countries, both rates are often higher.

Difference Between Developed Countries and Developing Countries

Conclusion

There is a significant distinction between developed and developing countries. Developed countries are self-contained and prosperous, having already reached a high level of development. They often have post-industrial economies, with a significant portion of their revenue coming from the service sector. In contrast, developing countries are in the process of emerging as developed nations. They are experiencing development for the first time and may rely more on industrial sectors for revenue generation.