Third World vs First World Countries - What's The Difference?

Summary

The United Nations now uses the Human Development Index (HDI) to rank countries based on citizens' comforts and opportunities, moving away from industrialization stages. The top countries include Norway, Australia, and Switzerland, with the USA at 10th place. The script discusses the outdated 'first, second, and third world' classifications, highlighting the complexity of development. It contrasts Norway's high HDI with the Central African Republic's low ranking, emphasizing life expectancy, income, and quality of life. The video also touches on the changing dynamics in countries like India and the debate over development versus traditional lifestyles, like the ǃKung Bushmen of Botswana.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The United Nations now uses the Human Development Index (HDI) to rank countries based on the comforts and opportunities provided to their citizens, rather than just industrialization stages.
• 🏆 The top ten countries according to the HDI are Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and the USA.
• 📉 The UK, once a leader in industrialization, now ranks 16th in the HDI, reflecting changes in global development.
• 🚫 The terms 'first world', 'second world', and 'third world' are considered outdated and insulting, as they oversimplify the complexities of a nation's development.
• 👨‍🏫 The concept of 'Third World' was popularized by French demographer Alfred Sauvy in 1952, categorizing nations mainly based on their economic and political systems.
• 🌱 Some parts of Asia, like China and India, have seen significant economic growth and improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, despite persisting poverty.
• 🇳🇴 Norway leads the HDI due to its high per capita GDP, supported by thriving industries and a population of only 5.2 million.
• 💼 The USA, ranked 10th in HDI, is also described as having a 'Fourth World' within it, where some citizens live with third world living standards despite the nation's wealth.
• 🇨🇵 The Central African Republic is at the bottom of the HDI, facing extreme poverty, low life expectancy, and significant social and political challenges.
• 🌱 Botswana, ranked 108th on the HDI, is home to the ǃKung Bushmen, who have a different perspective on wealth and happiness, emphasizing community and simplicity over material possessions.

Q & A

What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of key dimensions of human development, including life expectancy, education, and per capita income, which the United Nations uses to rank countries in terms of the comforts and opportunities afforded to their citizens.

Which country is ranked first in the Human Development Index?

Norway is ranked first in the Human Development Index.

What was the first developed country according to the stage of industrialization?

The United Kingdom was considered the first developed country in terms of industrialization.

Why are the terms 'first world' and 'third world' considered outdated or inappropriate?

The terms 'first world' and 'third world' are seen as outdated or inappropriate because they are vague and can be insulting, not accurately reflecting the diverse economic and social conditions within countries.

Who is credited with coining the term 'Third World'?

Alfred Sauvy, a French demographer, is credited with coining the term 'Third World' in his 1952 writings about 'Three worlds, one planet.'

What does the term 'Fourth World' refer to, as mentioned in the script?

The term 'Fourth World' refers to parts of wealthy countries like the USA where some segments of society live on the fringes with conditions akin to third world standards, such as joblessness, lack of healthcare, and limited opportunities.

How does the script describe the economic growth and poverty in India?

The script describes India as a country with significant economic growth but still pervasive abject poverty, with a reported 58% of the population living on less than $3.10 per day in 2014.

What factors contribute to Norway's high ranking in the Human Development Index?

Norway's high ranking in the Human Development Index is attributed to its high per capita GDP, thriving industries, and the availability of good environment, quality jobs, education, and social services for its citizens.

What are the three main categories of the Human Development Index?

The three main categories of the Human Development Index are environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability.

Why is the Central African Republic ranked at the bottom of the Human Development Index?

The Central African Republic is ranked at the bottom of the Human Development Index due to factors such as low life expectancy, extreme poverty, war, ethnic and religious cleansing, political violence, high maternal mortality rates, and widespread illiteracy.

What is the contrast between the lifestyles of the ǃKung Bushmen in Botswana and the typical 'first world' lifestyle?

The ǪKung Bushmen of Botswana lead a hunter/gatherer lifestyle with a focus on communal sharing and a relatively short workday, in contrast to the typical 'first world' lifestyle characterized by consumerism, longer work hours, and higher stress levels.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Human Development Index and Global Rankings

The paragraph discusses the shift from judging countries by their stage of industrialization to the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures the quality of life and opportunities for citizens. It highlights the historical perspective of development, starting with the UK as the first industrialized nation, followed by other Western European countries. The current top ten countries according to the HDI are listed, with Norway at the top and the USA in 10th place. The UK, once a leader, now ranks 16th. The paragraph also touches on the evolving terminology from 'first', 'second', and 'third world' to more nuanced classifications, including the concept of a 'Fourth World' within wealthy countries like the USA. It questions the validity of these terms and suggests that development is not a static state but a continuous process, with examples of countries in Asia experiencing significant economic and social changes.

05:03

🏆 Norway's High HDI Ranking and Global Development Disparities

This paragraph delves into why Norway is considered highly developed, citing its high per capita GDP and thriving industries despite its small population. It contrasts Norway's situation with that of India, which, despite economic growth, still has a significant portion of its population living in poverty. The paragraph also discusses the comprehensive benefits Norwegians enjoy, including good jobs, income, education, and health, which are not universally accessible in developing nations. It further explores the Human Development Index's three main categories—environmental, economic, and social sustainability—and uses the Central African Republic as an example of a country with low development, highlighting its challenges such as extreme poverty, low life expectancy, and poor social indicators. The paragraph concludes by comparing the living conditions of different countries and questioning the simplistic classification of 'first', 'second', and 'third world', suggesting a more complex and nuanced view of development and quality of life.

🌐 The Plight of the Central African Republic and the Complexity of Development

The final paragraph focuses on the dire situation in the Central African Republic, detailing the extreme poverty, conflict, and lack of basic human rights that characterize the country. It paints a stark picture of the living conditions, with low life expectancy, high illiteracy rates, and severe social issues such as genital mutilation and violence against women and children. The paragraph also touches on the broader themes of development, questioning the value of material wealth versus the quality of life and happiness. It contrasts the hardships in the Central African Republic with the potentially more content, yet materially less affluent, lifestyle of the ǃKung Bushmen in Botswana. The paragraph ends by inviting viewers to consider these complexities and engage in a discussion about what truly constitutes development and well-being.

Keywords

💡Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistical measure used by the United Nations to evaluate and rank countries based on various aspects that directly affect a citizen's quality of life, such as life expectancy, education, and per capita income. In the video, HDI is used to illustrate the current ranking of countries in terms of development, with Norway topping the list, indicating a high level of human development and opportunities for its citizens.

💡Industrialization

Industrialization refers to the period of social and economic change where a nation transitions from an agrarian economy to one dominated by manufacturing and the development of industry. Historically, the video mentions that countries were judged by their stage of industrialization, with the UK being the first developed country in this context.

💡First World

The term 'First World' was originally used to describe the most industrialized and economically advanced countries, particularly those aligned with the United States during the Cold War. The video discusses the evolution of this term and how it is now considered outdated and potentially insulting, as it oversimplifies the complex economic and social realities within countries.

💡Third World

The 'Third World' was a term used to describe countries that were neither aligned with the capitalist 'First World' nor the communist 'Second World' during the Cold War. These were typically less developed, agrarian societies. The video points out the inadequacy and vagueness of this term, as it does not accurately reflect the diverse conditions within these countries.

💡Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability refers to the ability of an economy to remain viable and productive over the long term without depleting natural resources or causing irreversible environmental damage. The video uses this concept within the context of the HDI, where economic sustainability is one of the three main categories, highlighting the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

💡Social Sustainability

Social sustainability emphasizes the need for societies to create conditions that allow for all members to maintain or enhance their well-being. In the video, this is discussed in relation to the HDI, where social sustainability is one of the key areas assessed, including factors like education, healthcare, and social connections.

💡Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability involves practices and policies that ensure the responsible use of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems. The video mentions this as one of the main categories in the HDI, indicating that a truly developed country must not only have a high GDP but also maintain a healthy environment.

💡Per Capita GDP

Per capita GDP is a measure of a country's economic output per person, calculated by dividing the country's GDP by its population. The video uses Norway's high per capita GDP as an example of its economic strength and one of the reasons it ranks high on the HDI.

💡Poverty Line

The poverty line is the minimum level of income deemed adequate to maintain basic living needs. The video discusses how different countries set their poverty lines and how a significant portion of India's population lives below this line, illustrating the disparities in wealth and development.

💡Maternal Mortality Rate

The maternal mortality rate is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes during childbirth or within 42 days after the end of their pregnancy, per 100,000 live births. The video highlights the Central African Republic's high maternal mortality rate as an indicator of its low development status and poor healthcare infrastructure.

💡Genital Mutilation

Genital mutilation, also known as female genital cutting, is a harmful cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. The video mentions that a quarter of women in the Central African Republic have undergone this practice, reflecting the severe human rights issues and lack of education in the country.

Highlights

The United Nations no longer judges a country by its stage of industrialization but by the Human Development Index (HDI).

The HDI measures the comforts and opportunities provided to citizens, ranking Norway as the top country.

The UK, once a leader in industrialization, now ranks 16th in HDI, indicating a shift in global development metrics.

The terms 'first', 'second', and 'third world' are considered insulting and vague, suggesting a need for new classifications.

Alfred Sauvy, a French demographer, is credited with coining the terms 'first', 'second', and 'third world' in 1952.

The concept of a 'Fourth World' has been introduced to describe wealthy countries with pockets of severe poverty.

The economic growth in parts of Asia like China and India has led to improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Norway's high HDI ranking is attributed to its high per capita GDP and thriving industries.

India, despite its economic growth, still has a significant portion of its population living in poverty.

The HDI consists of three main categories: environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

The Central African Republic is at the bottom of the HDI, facing extreme poverty, war, and political violence.

Life expectancy in the Central African Republic is significantly lower than in Norway, highlighting the HDI disparity.

Botswana, ranked 108th in HDI, is home to the ǃKung Bushmen, a tribe that values self-sufficiency and communal sharing.

The ǃKung Bushmen's way of life is being threatened by development, leading to changes in their social structure.

The video concludes by questioning whether material wealth is the sole measure of a country's development, inviting viewer engagement.

Transcripts

According to the United Nations, it no longer judges a country by a particular stage that

it is at in its development.

Nonetheless, countries are ranked higher in terms of the comforts and opportunities afforded

to its citizens.

We now call this the Human Development Index.

Back in the day, we would judge a country by its stage of industrialization, and the

first developed country in this sense was the UK.

Belgium followed, then Germany, then the USA, and then France and other western European

nations.

If we look at today’s Human Development Index, the top ten countries in order are:

Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland,

Canada, and 10th, believe it or not, is the USA.

The UK, which was once in first place, now stands in 16th place.

Today we’ll look at why, in this episode of the Infographics Show, 3rd World vs 1st

World Countries - What's The Difference?

Don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell button so that you can be part of our

Notification Squad.

First of all, many people think we should stop using these terms of first and third

world.

The terms are seen as insulting and vague, and while some nations might not be economic

powerhouses, what’s to say the citizens don’t live a happy and safe life, even without

a Big Mac and fries?

If we go back some years to 1952, a French demographer Alfred Sauvy wrote about “Three

worlds, one planet.”

It is he who is said to have coined the term.

By first world, he meant the USA, Japan, South Korea and Western Europe.

By second world, he meant the Soviet Union, China, Cuba and communist allies.

At the bottom, in the third world, he meant all the rest, societies that were mostly agrarian

and poor.

One of the reasons the term is decried is because it was so vague.

There wasn’t really much analysis, and so in spite of northern Brits living in industrial

slums and working in inhumane conditions as George Orwell wrote in ‘The Road to Wigan

Pier’, because of Britain’s relative wealth, it was deemed first world.

In fact, these days a professor at Harvard Medical School has used the term ‘Fourth

World’, which includes the USA.

This means a country of great wealth where some parts of society live on the fringes,

jobless, often drug-addicted, with no healthcare and not so many opportunities to change things

around.

They are living in a first world with third world standards.

So, this is a rather confusing question we have posed.

Do we use the term developing?

We can look at what has happened over many parts of Asia in the last twenty years.

While parts of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand still have pervasive abject poverty,

there is a lot more money.

It isn’t exactly getting to everyone, though, and one might ask if farming rice in China

was any worse than making iPhone components for hours on end in a factory in a polluted

city.

But with this new money, infrastructure has improved, and so too has healthcare and education.

We could say these countries are verily developing.

But why is Norway the most developed?

Is it still not developing?

Does developed mean stasis?

Not really, all countries are still developing, but others could be said to be going through

major changes.

The U.S. Department of State explains why Norway is so developed: “Per capita GDP

is among the highest in the world,” we are told, due to thriving industries in this nation

of just 5.2 million people.

Just take into account that Delhi has 18.6 million people.

You only need to walk around Delhi to see poverty all around you, you don’t have to

go looking for it.

India is developing due to its fairly amazing economic growth, but still, it was reported

in 2014 that 58% of the Indian population were living on less than $3.10 per day.

India puts the poverty line at $1.90 a day.

This may be enough not to starve to death, but we can imagine that those people living

on that amount don’t have the freedom and opportunities that Norway’s less well-to-do

people have.

In fact, in Norway, the average income is more than $35,000 a year.

Only 3 percent of the population work very long hours, and all Norwegians, according

to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, can expect good, “environment

quality, jobs and earnings, income and wealth, education and skills, housing, work-life balance,

civic engagement, social connections, and health status.”

The same definitely cannot be said of any developing nation.

Nonetheless, anyone in India will tell you about great transformations, more job opportunities,

an easing of poverty, and how far the country has come in terms of developing technology.

Norway is top of the Human Development Index, so we could say this is the first of the first

world countries, even though we don’t use that term anymore.

The top 51 nations fall in the ‘High’ Human Development bracket.

Out of 188 countries, India comes in at 131st.

Indeed, India’s super rich wealth and massive growth has yet to trickle down to many of

the masses.

The HDI has three main categories: Environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and

social sustainability.

Right at the bottom of the HDI is the Central African Republic.

Again, while we don’t use the term third world anymore, you could say that this might

be the bottom of the list in so far as we have a term for not being developed.

Why is that?

For starters, life expectancy there is only 52, or thereabouts.

It is tied with Angola, and only better than one country, which is Sierra Leone.

People there can expect to live to 50.1.

By comparison, Norwegians on average can expect to live about 30 years longer.

In India, the life expectancy is 68, somewhere in the middle.

The 4.6 million people living in the Central African Republic have faced extreme poverty,

war, ethnic and religious cleansing, and political violence.

It’s said to be the worst place in the world to be young, and even if you get a job, the

average wage per year is said to be $400, although this might need updating.

Half of the population is illiterate, and if you go to school you might not do more

than 4 or 5 years.

It has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, and about a quarter of

the women have undergone genital mutilation.

If that isn’t bad enough, human rights hardly exist.

Complain, and you might find yourself being arrested summarily and sent to a terrible

jail.

Corruption is rife, and there is not much anyone can do.

The country has a history of labor rights violations as well as child labor.

Children and women regularly face violence after being accused of being witches.

One travel blogger talked of his experience in the capital of Bangui, saying it was “a

mess that is always teetering on the edge of violence.”

We are of course mentioning the very worse things, and no doubt a lot of people live

a happy life there.

We just want to outline a kind of first, second and third comparison.

That’s why we have picked these three nations.

We could also look at the country of Botswana, which comes in 108th place.

This is quite low, but if you’ve read Malcom Gladwell’s book, ‘Outliers’, you’ll

know it's home to possibly some of the happiest, laidback, self-sufficient people in the world.

Or was, until recent times.

According to Gladwell, they have a two hour work day on average, and play around most

of the time.

They don’t need iPhones or dinner sets made by Hermes.

They are the last Hunter/Gatherer tribe called the ǃKung Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert.

These wanderers also moved through Angola (which is placed 150th on the HDI).

Unfortunately, what they hunt and gather is being destroyed by development.

Anthropologists say they get over conflicts in peaceful ways and generally are a happy

lot.

They provide for their kids with devotion, and remain mostly monogamous.

Wealth is shared with everyone.

In more recent years, that has changed as some were forced to settle in one place, and

that’s when the problems arose.

As soon as they got doors, they started shutting them and sharing less.

They are also very much third world by western standards.

So, are they any worse off than an overworked, overweight, diabetes and hypertension suffering

rich first world man that takes pills to sleep and often drinks to oblivion?

Let us know in the comments!

Also, be sure to check out our other video called What Can You Buy with a Million Dollars?!

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