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{{Short description|Countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development}}
'''Least Developed Countries''' ('''LDCs''' or '''Fourth World''' countries) are ] which according to the ] exhibit the lowest indicators of ] ], with the lowest ] ratings of ]. A country is classified as a Least Developed Country if it meets three criteria based on:
] as of 2023)}}{{legend|#FFCC00|Former least developed countries}}]]
*low-income (three-year average ] per capita of less than US $750, which must exceed $900 to leave the list)
The '''least developed countries''' ('''LDCs''') are ] listed by the ] that exhibit the lowest indicators of ] ]. The concept of LDCs originated in the late 1960s and the first group of LDCs was listed by the ] in its resolution 2768 (XXVI) on 18 November 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.unitar.org/resource/sites/unitar.org.resource/files/document-pdf/GA-2767-XXVI.pdf |title=Identification of the least developed among the developing countries |access-date=2011-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709182754/http://www.unitar.org/resource/sites/unitar.org.resource/files/document-pdf/GA-2767-XXVI.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*human resource weakness (based on indicators of ], health, ] and adult ]) and
*economic vulnerability (based on instability of agricultural production, instability of exports of goods and services, economic importance of non-traditional activities, merchandise export concentration, and handicap of economic smallness, and the percentage of population displaced by natural disasters)


A country is classified among the Least Developed Countries if it meets three criteria:<ref name="UN2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldc-criteria.html |title=Criteria For Identification Of LDCs |publisher=], Development Policy and Analysis Division |access-date=2018-03-02}}</ref><ref name="Criteria">UN-OHRLLS {{usurped|1=}}.</ref>
Countries may "graduate" out of the LDC classification when indicators exceed these criteria. The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States coordinates UN support and provides advocacy services for Least Developed Countries.
* ] – adjustable criterion based on ] (GNI) per capita averaged over three years. {{asof|2018}}, a country must have GNI per capita less than ]1,025 to be included on the list, and over $1,230 to graduate from it.
* ] weakness (based on indicators of ], ], ] and adult ]).
* ] (based on instability of agricultural production, instability of exports of goods and services, economic importance of non-traditional activities, merchandise export concentration, handicap of economic smallness, and the percentage of population displaced by ]s).


As of December 2024, 44 countries were still classified as LDC, while eight graduated between 1994 and 2024.<ref name="un">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldcs-at-a-glance.html |title=LDCs at a Glance |date=December 2024 |publisher=Department of Economic and Social Affairs |access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref> The ] (WTO) recognizes the UN list and says that "Measures taken in the framework of the WTO can help LDCs increase their exports to other WTO members and attract investment. In many developing countries, pro-market reforms have encouraged faster growth, diversification of exports, and more effective participation in the multilateral trading system."<ref name="wtoldc">{{cite web |title=Doha WTO Ministerial 2001: Briefing Notes Least Developed Countries – Towards free market access for least-developed countries |url=https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min01_e/brief_e/brief03_e.htm |publisher=World Trade Organization}}</ref>
The classification currently applies to around 50 countries. ], the least developed country in the world is ].


== Overview ==
==Usage and abbreviations==
]
Least developed countries can be distinguished from ], "less developed countries", "lesser developed countries", or other terms for countries in the so-called "]". Although many contemporary scholars argue that "Third World" is outdated, irrelevant or inaccurate, others may use the term "Fourth World" in reference to least developed countries.
]: a coalition of ] in regards to agriculture.]]
LDC criteria are reviewed every three years by the ] (CDP) of the ] (ECOSOC). Countries may be removed from the LDC classification when indicators exceed these criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews.<ref name="graduation.html"/> The ] (UN-OHRLLS) coordinates UN support and provides advocacy services for Least Developed Countries. The classification ({{As of|2020|12|lc=on}}) applies to 46 countries.<ref name="un" />


At the UN's fourth conference on LDCs, which was held in May 2011, delegates endorsed a goal targeting the promotion of at least half the current LDC countries within the next ten years.<ref name="Goal2021" /> As of 2018, ten or more countries were expected to graduate in 2024, with ] and ] already satisfying all criteria in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2018/06/ten-fewer-least-developed-countries-by-2024.html |title=Ten Fewer Least Developed Countries by 2024 |last=Wang |first=Brian |date=11 June 2018 |website=nextbigfuture.com |access-date=21 December 2018}}</ref>
However, in order to avoid confusion between "least developed country" and "less developed country", which may both be abbreviated as LDC, and to avoid confusion with ], which can be abbreviated as LLDC, "developing country" is generally used in preference to "less developed country".


There is one country which presently meets the criteria and two countries which previously met the criteria for LDC status, but declined to be included in the index, questioning the validity or accuracy of the CDP's data: ] (no longer meets criteria as of 1994), ] (no longer meets criteria as of 2009), and ].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/fr/title/1088728737 |title=Handbook on the least developed country category : inclusion, graduation, and special support measures |date=October 2018 |author=United Nations |isbn=978-92-1-104692-2 |edition=Third |location=New York |oclc=1088728737}}</ref>
==Characteristics==
Least developed countries generally suffer conditions of ], ongoing and widespread conflict (including ] or ]), extensive ], and lack political and ]. The ] in such countries is often ] in nature, and may comprise a ], ]ism, or a ]. The majority of LDCs are in ].


== Usage and abbreviations ==
During the last United Nations review in 2003, the UN defined LDCs as countries meeting three criteria, one of which was a three-year average estimate of ] (GNI) per capita of less than US $750. Countries with populations over 75 million are excluded.
{{Further|Developing country#Criticisms of the term}}
Least developed countries can be distinguished from ], "less developed countries", "lesser developed countries", or other similar terms.


The term "less economically developed country" (LEDC) is also used today. However, in order to avoid confusion between "least developed country" and "less economically developed country" (which may both be abbreviated as LDC), and to avoid confusion with ] (which can be abbreviated as LLDC), "developing country" is generally used in preference to "less-developed country".
== Trade and LDCs ==


During a United Nations review in 2018, the UN defined LDCs as countries meeting three criteria, one of which was a three-year average estimate of ] (GNI) per capita of less than US$1,025.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldc-criteria.html |title=Criteria For Identification Of LDCs |date=4 March 2010 |publisher=], Development Policy and Analysis Division |access-date=2018-03-02}}</ref>
Issues surrounding global trade regulations and LDCs have gained a lot of media and policy attention thanks to the recently collapsed ] of ] negotiations being termed a development round. During the WTO's ], it was agreed that LDCs could see 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets if the round were completed. But analysis of the deal by NGOs found that the text of the proposed LDC deal had substantial loopholes that might make the offer less than the full 100 percent access, and could even erase some current duty-free access of LDCs to rich country markets., Dissatisfaction with these loopholes led some economists to call for a reworking of the ] deal.


== Current LDCs == == UN conferences ==
] ] at the 4th UN Conference on Least Developed Countries]]
There have been five United Nations conferences on LDCs, held every ten years. The first two were in ], in 1981 and 1991; the third was in ] in 2001.
'''] (10 Countries)'''
*{{flagicon|Afghanistan}} ]
*{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} ]
*{{flagicon|Bhutan}} ]
*{{flagicon|Cambodia}} ]
*{{flagicon|Laos|Lao People’s Democratic Republic}} ]
*{{flagicon|Maldives}} ]
*{{flagicon|Myanmar}} ]
*{{flagicon|Nepal}} ]
*{{flagicon|East Timor|Timor-Leste}} ]
*{{flagicon|Yemen}} ]


The Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) was held in ], ], on 9–13 May 2011. It was attended by ], the head of the ], and close to 50 prime ministers and heads of state. The conference endorsed the goal of raising half the existing Least developed countries out of the LDC category in 2022. As with the ] drawn up in 2010, there was a strong emphasis on boosting productive capability and physical infrastructure, with several NGOs not pleased with the emphasis placed on the private sector.<ref name="Goal2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/may/06/goal-halve-ldcs-10-years-conference |title=Goal to halve number of LDCs in next 10 years |work=The Guardian |date=2011-05-06 |access-date=2011-05-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2011/may/13/least-developed-countries-ambitious-plan |title=Least developed countries: UN conference endorses ambitious plan to lift millions out of poverty |work=The Guardian |date=2011-05-13 |access-date=2011-05-13}}</ref>
'''] (34 Countries)'''
*{{flagicon|Angola}} ]
*{{flagicon|Benin}} ]
*{{flagicon|Burkina Faso}} ]
*{{flagicon|Burundi}} ]
*{{flagicon|Cape Verde}} ]
*{{flagicon|Central African Republic}} ]
*{{flagicon|Chad}} ]
*{{flagicon|Comoros}} ]
*{{flagicon|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} ]
*{{flagicon|Djibouti}} ]
*{{flagicon|Equatorial Guinea}} ]
*{{flagicon|Eritrea}} ]
*{{flagicon|Ethiopia}} ]
*{{flagicon|Gambia}} ]
*{{flagicon|Guinea}} ]
*{{flagicon|Guinea-Bissau}} ]
*{{flagicon|Lesotho}} ]
*{{flagicon|Liberia}} ]
*{{flagicon|Madagascar}} ]
*{{flagicon|Malawi}} ]
*{{flagicon|Mali}} ]
*{{flagicon|Mauritania}} ]
*{{flagicon|Mozambique}} ]
*{{flagicon|Niger}} ]
*{{flagicon|Rwanda}} ]
*{{flagicon|Sao Tome and Principe}} ]
*{{flagicon|Senegal}} ]
*{{flagicon|Sierra Leone}} ]
*{{flagicon|Somalia}} ]
*{{flagicon|Swaziland}} ]
*{{flagicon|Tanzania}} ]
*{{flagicon|Togo}} ]
*{{flagicon|Uganda}} ]
*{{flagicon|Zambia}} ]


The Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-V) was split in two parts almost a year apart, between UN Headquarters in New York on 17 March 2022 and Doha on 5-9 March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) {{!}} |url=https://www.un.org/ldc5/ |website=www.un.org |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref>
'''] (5 Countries)'''
*{{flagicon|Kiribati}} ]
*{{flagicon|Samoa}} ]
*{{flagicon|Solomon Islands}} ]
*{{flagicon|Tuvalu}} ]
*{{flagicon|Vanuatu}} ]


== Trade ==
'''] (1 Country)'''
Issues surrounding global trade regulations and LDCs have gained a lot of media and policy attention thanks to the recently collapsed ] of ] (WTO) negotiations being termed a development round. During the WTO's ], it was agreed that LDCs could see 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets if the round were completed. But analysis of the deal by NGOs found that the text of the proposed LDC deal had substantial loopholes that might make the offer less than the full 100 percent access, and could even erase some current duty-free access of LDCs to rich country markets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citizen.org/hot_issues/issue.cfm?ID=1389 |title=Public Citizen {{pipe}} Global Trade Watch {{pipe}} Global Trade Watch – Hot Issue June 21 – Study shows WTO's Doha Round proposal would leave many poor countries worse off |publisher=Citizen.org|access-date = 2014-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.unnayan.org/Other/Unnayan_Onneshan_TNLP_Hong_Kong.pdf |title=How Hong Kong Empowers Rich Countries to Choke LDCs |access-date=2006-07-26 |archive-date=2011-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401030510/http://www.unnayan.org/Other/Unnayan_Onneshan_TNLP_Hong_Kong.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dissatisfaction with these loopholes led some economists to call for a reworking of the ] deal.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}
*{{flagicon|Haiti}} ]


Chiedu Osakwe, as of 2001 the Director, Technical Cooperation Division at the Secretariat of the WTO, and adviser to the Director-General on developing country matters, was appointed as the WTO Special Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries beginning in 1999.<ref>World Trade Organization, , 1999 Press Releases, Press/136, 13 September 1999</ref> He worked closely with the five other agencies that together with the WTO constitute the Integrated Framework of action for the Least Developed Countries. They addressed issues of market access, special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries, participation of developing countries in the multilateral trading system, and development questions, especially the interests of developing countries in competition policy.<ref>Osakwe, Chiedu, , DAC News November–December 2005, ], ].</ref> At the ] in ], Canadian Prime Minister ] proposed and carried the Market Access Initiative, so that the then 48 LDCs could profit from "trade-not-aid".<ref>{{cite web |last=Vasil |first=Adria |url=http://stage81.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=140356 |title=NOW Toronto: "Roots runs away: Beaver-clad clothier blames feds' Africa trade aid for west-end plant closure" (February 12-19, 2004, VOL 23 NO 24 Vasil) |publisher=Stage81.nowtoronto.com |access-date=2014-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134510/http://stage81.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=140356 |archive-date=2014-07-14}}</ref> Additionally, the United Nations ] advocates for an effective special and differential treatment of LDCs as integral parts of WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goal 14 targets |url=https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-14-life-below-water/targets.html |access-date=2020-09-24 |website=UNDP |language=en |archive-date=2020-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930060036/https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-14-life-below-water/targets.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


=== Market access preferences ===
==External links==
Several countries grant preferential access to least developed countries. For instance, the ] has implemented the ] scheme, while ] offers free access to its market for all products to LDCs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/home/informationen-firmen/einfuhr-in-die-schweiz/befreiungen-verguenstigungen-und-zollpraeferenzen_einfuhr/entwicklungslaender-aps-gsp--generalized-system-of-preferences-.html |title=Developing countries GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) |website=admin.ch |access-date=2024-12-05}}</ref> Access to the Japanese market is also free for LDCs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1501_e.htm |title=1501 Outline of Japan’s GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) (FAQ) |website=customs.go.jp |access-date=2024-12-05}}</ref>
*


Effective 1 December 2024, China eliminated tariffs for goods imported from all of the countries that the United Nations categorizes as least developed and with which China has ]. Thirty-three of the countries benefiting from the agreement are in ] and the non-African countries receiving zero tariff treatment are ], ], the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=China sharpens edge in global trade with zero-tariff deal for developing world |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3284329/china-sharpens-edge-global-trade-zero-tariff-deal-developing-world |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>
]
]


== List of countries ==
]
The following 44 countries were still listed as least developed countries by the UN as of December 2024:<ref>UN </ref> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].
]

]
=== By continent or region ===
]
There are 32 countries that are classified as least developed countries in ], 8 in ], 3 in ], and 1 in the ].
]

]
The list of "least developed countries" according to the ] with some that are categorized into the ] and the ]:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-05-25 |title=LDCs at a Glance |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldcs-at-a-glance.html |access-date=2019-01-03 |website=United Nations Development Policy & Analysis Division}}</ref>
]

]
'''Africa'''<!-- Only add countries that are classified as LDCs by the ECOSOC -->
]
* {{flag|Angola}}
* {{flag|Benin}}
* {{flag|Burkina Faso}}<ref name="landlocked">Also a ]</ref>
* {{flag|Burundi}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Central African Republic}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Chad}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Comoros}}<ref name="island">Also a ]</ref>
* {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo|name=D.R. Congo}}
* {{flag|Djibouti}}
* {{flag|Eritrea}}
* {{flag|Ethiopia}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|The Gambia}}
* {{flag|Guinea}}
* {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
* {{flag|Lesotho}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Liberia}}
* {{flag|Madagascar}}
* {{flag|Malawi}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Mali}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Mauritania}}
* {{flag|Mozambique}}
* {{flag|Niger}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Rwanda}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Senegal}}
* {{flag|Sierra Leone}}
* {{flag|Somalia}}
* {{flag|South Sudan}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Sudan}}
* {{flag|Tanzania}}
* {{flag|Togo}}
* {{flag|Uganda}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Zambia}}<ref name="landlocked" />
'''Americas'''<!-- Only add countries that are classified as LDCs by the ECOSOC -->
* {{flag|Haiti}}
'''Asia'''<!-- Only add countries that are classified as LDCs by the ECOSOC -->
* {{flag|Afghanistan|2013}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category-bangladesh.html |title=Least Developed Country Category: Bangladesh Profile {{pipe}} Department of Economic and Social Affairs|date = 25 December 2015 |website= United Nations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329004809/https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category-bangladesh.html |archive-date= Mar 29, 2024 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Cambodia}}
* {{flag|East Timor}}<ref name="island" />
* {{flag|Laos}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Myanmar}}
* {{flag|Nepal}}<ref name="landlocked" />
* {{flag|Yemen}}
'''Oceania'''
* {{flag|Kiribati}}<ref name="island" />
* {{flag|Solomon Islands}}<ref name="island" />
* {{flag|Tuvalu}}<ref name="island" />

=== Delisted countries (graduated countries) ===
The three criteria (human assets, economic vulnerability and gross national income per capita) are assessed by the ] every three years. Countries must meet two of the three criteria at two consecutive triennial reviews to be considered for graduation. The Committee for Development Policy sends its recommendations for endorsement to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).<ref name="UN_Its_Official">{{Cite web |date=2018-12-13 |title=It's official and historical – three more countries will graduate from the LDC category |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/2018/its-official-and-historical-three-more-countries-will-graduate-from-the-ldc-category/ |publisher= United Nations |access-date=2019-01-03 |website=Development Policy & Analysis Division}}</ref>

After the initiation of the LDC category, seven countries graduated to '']'' status. The first country to graduate from LDC status was ] in 1994. The second country was ] in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2007 |title=UN advocate salutes Cape Verde's graduation from category of poorest States |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22918&Cr=cape&Cr1=verde |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202011111/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22918&Cr=cape&Cr1=verde |archive-date=Dec 2, 2017 |website=United Nations News Centre}}</ref> ] graduated to ''developing country'' status at the beginning of 2011, ] in 2014,<ref name="graduation.html">{{Cite web |date=5 March 2010 |title=Graduation from the LDC category |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldc-graduation.html |access-date=2018-03-02 |publisher=], Development Policy and Analysis Division}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Samoa To Gain Developing Country Economic Status in January 2014 |url=http://unohrlls.org/news/samoa-to-gain-developing-country-economic-status-in-january-2014/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017081118/http://unohrlls.org/news/samoa-to-gain-developing-country-economic-status-in-january-2014/ |archive-date=2015-10-17 |access-date=2015-08-09 |website=] via ]}}</ref> ] in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |date=2018 |title=Least Developed Country Category: Equatorial Guinea Profile |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category-equatorial-guinea.html |access-date=21 December 2018 |publisher=], Development Policy and Analysis Division}}</ref> ] in December 2020,<ref name="Vanuatu">{{cite web |date=2020-12-04 |title=Vanuatu graduates from least developed country status |url=https://unctad.org/news/vanuatu-graduates-least-developed-country-status |publisher=]}}</ref> ] in December 2023,<ref name="Bhutan">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/content/bhutan-graduation-status |title=Bhutan graduation status |website=United Nations |access-date=13 December 2023}}</ref> and ] in December 2024.<ref name="STP">{{cite web |url=https://unctad.org/news/sao-tome-and-principe-graduates-least-developed-country-status |title=Sao Tome and Principe graduates from least developed country status |website=UNCTAD |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref>

The following countries are no longer categorized in the "least developed countries" group:
* {{flag|Kingdom of Sikkim|name=Sikkim}} (became a state within the ] in 1975)<ref name="CDC2008">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/2008cdphandbook.pdf |title=UN Handbook on the LDC Category |access-date=2014-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207091657/https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/2008cdphandbook.pdf |archive-date=2017-02-07 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sikkim.gov.in/ASP/Miscc/aboutsikkim.htm |title="About Sikkim" from the Government of Sikkim's website |publisher=Sikkim.gov.in |access-date=2014-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525171423/http://www.sikkim.gov.in/asp/Miscc/aboutsikkim.htm |archive-date=2009-05-25}}</ref>
* {{flag|Botswana}} (graduated from LDC status in December 1994)<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37239&Cr=least+developed&Cr1= |title=Istanbul forum offers chance to recommit to helping world's poorest nations |date=2011-01-10 |website=United Nations |access-date=2014-07-28}}</ref>
* {{flag|Cape Verde}} (graduated in December 2007)<ref name=":0" />
* {{flag|Maldives}} (graduated in January 2011)<ref name=":0" />
* {{flag|Samoa}} (graduated in January 2014)<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://sdg.iisd.org/news/un-ohrlls-announces-samoa-to-graduate-from-ldc-status/ |title=UN-OHRLLS Announces Samoa to Graduate from LDC Status |last=Ashton |first=Melanie |date=20 June 2012 |work=IISD's SDG Knowledge |access-date=2017-11-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}} (graduated in June 2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/equatorial-guinea-graduates-from-the-ldc-category/ |title=Equatorial Guinea Graduates from the LDC Category |date=4 June 2017 |website=United Nations |access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Vanuatu}} (graduated in December 2020)<ref name="Vanuatu" />
* {{flag|Bhutan}} (graduated in December 2023)<ref name="Bhutan" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/bhutan-graduated-least-developed-country-status-explained-8492253 |title=How Bhutan graduated from the 'Least Developed Country' status |author=Mira Patel |website=] |date=2023-03-13}}</ref>
* {{flag|São Tomé and Príncipe}} (graduated in December 2024)<ref name="STP" />

=== Countries expected to graduate soon ===
* ] met the criteria twice, once in 2018 and again in 2021. The country will officially graduate from LDC status in November 2026, two years after it was supposed to, due to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Byron |first1=Rejaul Karim |last2=Mirdha |first2=Refayet Ullah |date=2021-02-28 |title=Becoming A Developing Nation: Bangladesh reaches A Milestone |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/becoming-developing-nation-bangladesh-reaches-milestone-2052161 |access-date=2021-08-17 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref>
* ] and ] will graduate in November 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |title=U.N. General Assembly graduates Bangladesh, Nepal to developing countries bloc |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-general-assembly-graduates-bangladesh-nepal-to-developing-countries-bloc/article37681442.ece |access-date=2021-11-26 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The latter was originally selected to graduate to developing country status in 2018. However, the authorities of Nepal requested to postpone graduation until 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nepal braces for graduation from an LDC |url=https://www.np.undp.org/content/nepal/en/home/operations/projects/poverty_reduction/snpc/nepal-braces-for-graduation-from-an-ldc.html |website=UNDP in Nepal}}</ref> Graduation was later pushed back an additional five years.
* ] will graduate in December 2027.<ref name="approaching">{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/content/countries-approaching-graduation-and-graduated |title=Countries approaching graduation and already graduated |website=]}}</ref>
* ] met the criteria in 2021 and was originally expected to graduate in 2027, but this was later postponed to ensure a smooth transition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathew |first=Manoj |date=April 22, 2024 |title="Cambodia gears up for LDC graduation challenges" |url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501475821/cambodia-gears-up-for-ldc-graduation-challenges/ |access-date=July 3, 2024 |work=Khmer Times}}</ref>
* ], ], ] and ] could graduate from LDC status in 2027 at the earliest.<ref name="approaching" />
* ], ] and ] met the graduation criteria for the first time during 2023-2024. They could be recommended for graduation in 2027.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/content/united-republic-tanzania-graduation-status|title=United Republic of Tanzania graduation status|website=]|access-date=2024-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/content/rwanda-graduation-status|title=Rwanda graduation status|website=]|access-date=2024-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/content/uganda-graduation-status|title=Uganda graduation status|website=]|access-date=2024-06-06}}</ref>
* ] was expected to graduate in 2021, but the preparatory period was extended by three years because of the economic difficulties of the country and its dependence on commodities.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-04 |title=Extension of the preparatory period preceding the graduation of Angola from the least developed country category |url=https://undocs.org/en/A/75/L.57 |website=undocs.org}}</ref> Graduation was further postponed in December 2023, without any specific timeline.<ref>{{cite web|department=]|url= https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/ldc_list.pdf|title=List of Least Developed Countries (as of 13 December 2023)|website= ]|access-date= 2024-06-21}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{portal|border=no|Countries|World}}
{{div col}}
* {{annotated link|Development geography}}
* {{annotated link|Development economics}}
* {{annotated link|Economic development}}
* {{annotated link|Extreme poverty}}
* {{annotated link|Failed state}}
* {{annotated link|Group of 77}}
* {{annotated link|Heavily indebted poor countries}}
* {{annotated link|Human Development Index}}
* {{annotated link|Human Poverty Index}}
* {{annotated link|List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita}}
* {{annotated link|Developed country|More developed country}} (MDC), opposite of LDCs
* {{annotated link|Newly industrialized country}}
* {{annotated link|Right to development}}
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*
*
*
*
*
*

{{Global economic classifications}}
{{South-South}}
{{UNFCCC negotiating groups|state=expanded}}
{{United Nations}}

{{Authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 17:45, 25 December 2024

Countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development
  Least developed countries (designated by the UN as of 2023)  Former least developed countries

The least developed countries (LDCs) are developing countries listed by the United Nations that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development. The concept of LDCs originated in the late 1960s and the first group of LDCs was listed by the UN in its resolution 2768 (XXVI) on 18 November 1971.

A country is classified among the Least Developed Countries if it meets three criteria:

  • Poverty – adjustable criterion based on Gross national income (GNI) per capita averaged over three years. As of 2018, a country must have GNI per capita less than US$1,025 to be included on the list, and over $1,230 to graduate from it.
  • Human resource weakness (based on indicators of nutrition, health, education and adult literacy).
  • Economic vulnerability (based on instability of agricultural production, instability of exports of goods and services, economic importance of non-traditional activities, merchandise export concentration, handicap of economic smallness, and the percentage of population displaced by natural disasters).

As of December 2024, 44 countries were still classified as LDC, while eight graduated between 1994 and 2024. The World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes the UN list and says that "Measures taken in the framework of the WTO can help LDCs increase their exports to other WTO members and attract investment. In many developing countries, pro-market reforms have encouraged faster growth, diversification of exports, and more effective participation in the multilateral trading system."

Overview

Poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day
G33 countries: a coalition of developing countries in regards to agriculture.

LDC criteria are reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Countries may be removed from the LDC classification when indicators exceed these criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews. The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) coordinates UN support and provides advocacy services for Least Developed Countries. The classification (as of December 2020) applies to 46 countries.

At the UN's fourth conference on LDCs, which was held in May 2011, delegates endorsed a goal targeting the promotion of at least half the current LDC countries within the next ten years. As of 2018, ten or more countries were expected to graduate in 2024, with Bangladesh and Djibouti already satisfying all criteria in 2018.

There is one country which presently meets the criteria and two countries which previously met the criteria for LDC status, but declined to be included in the index, questioning the validity or accuracy of the CDP's data: Ghana (no longer meets criteria as of 1994), Papua New Guinea (no longer meets criteria as of 2009), and Zimbabwe.

Usage and abbreviations

Further information: Developing country § Criticisms of the term

Least developed countries can be distinguished from developing countries, "less developed countries", "lesser developed countries", or other similar terms.

The term "less economically developed country" (LEDC) is also used today. However, in order to avoid confusion between "least developed country" and "less economically developed country" (which may both be abbreviated as LDC), and to avoid confusion with landlocked developing country (which can be abbreviated as LLDC), "developing country" is generally used in preference to "less-developed country".

During a United Nations review in 2018, the UN defined LDCs as countries meeting three criteria, one of which was a three-year average estimate of gross national income (GNI) per capita of less than US$1,025.

UN conferences

Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Spyros Kouvelis at the 4th UN Conference on Least Developed Countries

There have been five United Nations conferences on LDCs, held every ten years. The first two were in Paris, in 1981 and 1991; the third was in Brussels in 2001.

The Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) was held in Istanbul, Turkey, on 9–13 May 2011. It was attended by Ban Ki-moon, the head of the UN, and close to 50 prime ministers and heads of state. The conference endorsed the goal of raising half the existing Least developed countries out of the LDC category in 2022. As with the Seoul Development Consensus drawn up in 2010, there was a strong emphasis on boosting productive capability and physical infrastructure, with several NGOs not pleased with the emphasis placed on the private sector.

The Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-V) was split in two parts almost a year apart, between UN Headquarters in New York on 17 March 2022 and Doha on 5-9 March 2023.

Trade

Issues surrounding global trade regulations and LDCs have gained a lot of media and policy attention thanks to the recently collapsed Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations being termed a development round. During the WTO's Hong Kong Ministerial, it was agreed that LDCs could see 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets if the round were completed. But analysis of the deal by NGOs found that the text of the proposed LDC deal had substantial loopholes that might make the offer less than the full 100 percent access, and could even erase some current duty-free access of LDCs to rich country markets. Dissatisfaction with these loopholes led some economists to call for a reworking of the Hong Kong deal.

Chiedu Osakwe, as of 2001 the Director, Technical Cooperation Division at the Secretariat of the WTO, and adviser to the Director-General on developing country matters, was appointed as the WTO Special Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries beginning in 1999. He worked closely with the five other agencies that together with the WTO constitute the Integrated Framework of action for the Least Developed Countries. They addressed issues of market access, special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries, participation of developing countries in the multilateral trading system, and development questions, especially the interests of developing countries in competition policy. At the 28th G8 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien proposed and carried the Market Access Initiative, so that the then 48 LDCs could profit from "trade-not-aid". Additionally, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 advocates for an effective special and differential treatment of LDCs as integral parts of WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation.

Market access preferences

Several countries grant preferential access to least developed countries. For instance, the European Union has implemented the Everything but Arms scheme, while Switzerland offers free access to its market for all products to LDCs. Access to the Japanese market is also free for LDCs.

Effective 1 December 2024, China eliminated tariffs for goods imported from all of the countries that the United Nations categorizes as least developed and with which China has diplomatic relations. Thirty-three of the countries benefiting from the agreement are in Africa and the non-African countries receiving zero tariff treatment are Yemen, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and East Timor.

List of countries

The following 44 countries were still listed as least developed countries by the UN as of December 2024: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Tanzania, Yemen, and Zambia.

By continent or region

There are 32 countries that are classified as least developed countries in Africa, 8 in Asia, 3 in Oceania, and 1 in the Americas.

The list of "least developed countries" according to the United Nations with some that are categorized into the landlocked developing countries and the Small Island Developing States:

Africa

Americas

Asia

Oceania

Delisted countries (graduated countries)

The three criteria (human assets, economic vulnerability and gross national income per capita) are assessed by the Committee for Development Policy every three years. Countries must meet two of the three criteria at two consecutive triennial reviews to be considered for graduation. The Committee for Development Policy sends its recommendations for endorsement to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

After the initiation of the LDC category, seven countries graduated to developing country status. The first country to graduate from LDC status was Botswana in 1994. The second country was Cape Verde in 2007. Maldives graduated to developing country status at the beginning of 2011, Samoa in 2014, Equatorial Guinea in 2017, Vanuatu in December 2020, Bhutan in December 2023, and São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2024.

The following countries are no longer categorized in the "least developed countries" group:

Countries expected to graduate soon

  • Bangladesh met the criteria twice, once in 2018 and again in 2021. The country will officially graduate from LDC status in November 2026, two years after it was supposed to, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Laos and Nepal will graduate in November 2026. The latter was originally selected to graduate to developing country status in 2018. However, the authorities of Nepal requested to postpone graduation until 2021. Graduation was later pushed back an additional five years.
  • Solomon Islands will graduate in December 2027.
  • Cambodia met the criteria in 2021 and was originally expected to graduate in 2027, but this was later postponed to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Comoros, Djibouti, Senegal and Zambia could graduate from LDC status in 2027 at the earliest.
  • Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania met the graduation criteria for the first time during 2023-2024. They could be recommended for graduation in 2027.
  • Angola was expected to graduate in 2021, but the preparatory period was extended by three years because of the economic difficulties of the country and its dependence on commodities. Graduation was further postponed in December 2023, without any specific timeline.

See also

References

  1. "Identification of the least developed among the developing countries" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-09. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  2. "Criteria For Identification Of LDCs". United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Development Policy and Analysis Division. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  3. UN-OHRLLS Criteria for Identification and Graduation of LDCs.
  4. ^ "LDCs at a Glance". Department of Economic and Social Affairs. December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  5. "Doha WTO Ministerial 2001: Briefing Notes Least Developed Countries – Towards free market access for least-developed countries". World Trade Organization.
  6. ^ "Graduation from the LDC category". United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Development Policy and Analysis Division. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  7. ^ "Goal to halve number of LDCs in next 10 years". The Guardian. 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  8. Wang, Brian (11 June 2018). "Ten Fewer Least Developed Countries by 2024". nextbigfuture.com. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  9. United Nations (October 2018). Handbook on the least developed country category : inclusion, graduation, and special support measures (Third ed.). New York. ISBN 978-92-1-104692-2. OCLC 1088728737.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. "Criteria For Identification Of LDCs". United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Development Policy and Analysis Division. 4 March 2010. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  11. "Least developed countries: UN conference endorses ambitious plan to lift millions out of poverty". The Guardian. 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  12. "5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) |". www.un.org. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  13. "Public Citizen | Global Trade Watch | Global Trade Watch – Hot Issue June 21 – Study shows WTO's Doha Round proposal would leave many poor countries worse off". Citizen.org. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  14. "How Hong Kong Empowers Rich Countries to Choke LDCs" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-04-01. Retrieved 2006-07-26.
  15. World Trade Organization, "Moore announces key appointments for development issues", 1999 Press Releases, Press/136, 13 September 1999
  16. Osakwe, Chiedu, "Are WTO Members wrestling an octopus, did they set their sights too high?", DAC News November–December 2005, Development Assistance Committee, OECD.
  17. Vasil, Adria. "NOW Toronto: "Roots runs away: Beaver-clad clothier blames feds' Africa trade aid for west-end plant closure" (February 12-19, 2004, VOL 23 NO 24 Vasil)". Stage81.nowtoronto.com. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  18. "Goal 14 targets". UNDP. Archived from the original on 2020-09-30. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  19. "Developing countries GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)". admin.ch. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  20. "1501 Outline of Japan's GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) (FAQ)". customs.go.jp. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  21. "China sharpens edge in global trade with zero-tariff deal for developing world". South China Morning Post. 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  22. UN List of Least Developed Countries (as of 13 December 2024)
  23. "LDCs at a Glance". United Nations Development Policy & Analysis Division. 2008-05-25. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  24. ^ Also a landlocked developing country
  25. ^ Also a Small Island Developing State
  26. "Least Developed Country Category: Bangladesh Profile | Department of Economic and Social Affairs". United Nations. 25 December 2015. Archived from the original on Mar 29, 2024.
  27. "It's official and historical – three more countries will graduate from the LDC category". Development Policy & Analysis Division. United Nations. 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  28. "UN advocate salutes Cape Verde's graduation from category of poorest States". United Nations News Centre. 14 June 2007. Archived from the original on Dec 2, 2017.
  29. "Samoa To Gain Developing Country Economic Status in January 2014". UN-OHRLLS via Radio Australia. Archived from the original on 2015-10-17. Retrieved 2015-08-09.
  30. "Least Developed Country Category: Equatorial Guinea Profile". United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Development Policy and Analysis Division. 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  31. ^ "Vanuatu graduates from least developed country status". United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. 2020-12-04.
  32. ^ "Bhutan graduation status". United Nations. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  33. ^ "Sao Tome and Principe graduates from least developed country status". UNCTAD. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  34. "UN Handbook on the LDC Category" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  35. ""About Sikkim" from the Government of Sikkim's website". Sikkim.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2009-05-25. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  36. ^ "Istanbul forum offers chance to recommit to helping world's poorest nations". United Nations. 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  37. Ashton, Melanie (20 June 2012). "UN-OHRLLS Announces Samoa to Graduate from LDC Status". IISD's SDG Knowledge. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
  38. "Equatorial Guinea Graduates from the LDC Category". United Nations. 4 June 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  39. Mira Patel (2023-03-13). "How Bhutan graduated from the 'Least Developed Country' status". The Indian Express.
  40. Byron, Rejaul Karim; Mirdha, Refayet Ullah (2021-02-28). "Becoming A Developing Nation: Bangladesh reaches A Milestone". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
  41. "U.N. General Assembly graduates Bangladesh, Nepal to developing countries bloc". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2021-11-26.
  42. "Nepal braces for graduation from an LDC". UNDP in Nepal.
  43. ^ "Countries approaching graduation and already graduated". United Nations.
  44. Mathew, Manoj (April 22, 2024). ""Cambodia gears up for LDC graduation challenges"". Khmer Times. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  45. "United Republic of Tanzania graduation status". United Nations. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  46. "Rwanda graduation status". United Nations. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  47. "Uganda graduation status". United Nations. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  48. "Extension of the preparatory period preceding the graduation of Angola from the least developed country category". undocs.org. 2021-02-04.
  49. "List of Least Developed Countries (as of 13 December 2023)" (PDF). Committee for Development Policy. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved 2024-06-21.

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