O que são países subdesenvolvidos?

Summary

This video explains the concept of underdeveloped countries, now more accurately termed 'Least Developed Countries' (LDCs). It clarifies that underdevelopment is not just about poverty but also economic vulnerability and weak social policies. LDCs typically have low GDP per capita (below $750), fragile, undiversified economies, and limited access to health, education, and security services. The video provides examples of current LDCs like Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Yemen, as well as countries that successfully graduated from this status, such as Cape Verde and Maldives. It emphasizes that with strategic development and international support, these nations can overcome fragility and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Underdeveloped countries are often mistakenly identified solely as poor countries, but the term involves more than just poverty.
• 😀 The term 'underdeveloped' is being replaced by 'Least Developed Countries' (LDCs) by international organizations.
• 😀 LDCs are characterized by fragility in both their economy and their citizens' general living conditions.
• 😀 Poverty is a primary criterion for determining whether a country is underdeveloped, with a GDP per capita under $750 being a key indicator.
• 😀 Even countries with high inequality, like Brazil, can exhibit very high levels of poverty, but they do not always qualify as underdeveloped.
• 😀 Economic vulnerability is the second major factor, with countries relying on limited sectors making them more susceptible to crises.
• 😀 Examples of vulnerable economies include those relying on a single crop or resource, such as potatoes, which makes them prone to economic instability.
• 😀 Social policies, including access to health, education, and security, are crucial in determining a country's development status.
• 😀 Some countries, like Cape Verde, Maldives, and Equatorial Guinea, have successfully improved their income, diversified their economies, and provided basic social rights, lifting themselves from the LDC list.
• 😀 International organizations can play a vital role in helping LDCs develop the foundations they need to move forward, although poverty remains a persistent challenge.
• 😀 The new global classification of 'Least Developed Countries' recognizes that even with low income, a country may still be working toward development and better living conditions.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the terms 'underdeveloped countries' and 'least developed countries'?

The term 'underdeveloped' is now outdated and no longer used by international organizations. It has been replaced by 'Least Developed Countries' (LDCs), which refers to the poorest and most fragile nations based on specific criteria.

Why is poverty not the only criterion for defining an underdeveloped country?

Poverty is just one factor. A country may have high levels of poverty but still not be considered underdeveloped if it has a more diversified economy, higher levels of social security, or better infrastructure.

What is the GDP per capita threshold that defines a country as underdeveloped?

A country is considered underdeveloped if its GDP per capita is below $750. This low GDP indicates that the country has very limited economic output per person.

How does economic vulnerability affect underdeveloped countries?

Economic vulnerability arises when a country has a less diversified economy. If it relies on one or few sectors, such as agriculture, it is more susceptible to crises like natural disasters or market changes, which can devastate the economy.

Can inequality impact whether a country is considered underdeveloped?

Yes, high inequality can worsen the situation. Even if the GDP per capita is technically above the threshold, if wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, the majority of citizens may still live in poverty, which affects the country's overall development.

How do social policies contribute to a country’s development status?

Social policies are critical in determining whether a country can provide its citizens with basic needs like health care, education, and security. In underdeveloped countries, these services are often scarce or inadequate, which exacerbates the issues of poverty and fragility.

Which countries are examples of those that have left the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs)?

Examples of countries that have successfully left the LDC list include Cape Verde, Vanuatu, Maldives, and Equatorial Guinea. These countries managed to increase their income, diversify their economies, and improve basic social rights.

What role do international organizations play in helping countries escape the LDC category?

International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, provide technical assistance, financial support, and development programs to help countries improve their economic and social infrastructure, ultimately helping them move out of the LDC category.

Why is it significant that Brazil's GDP per capita fluctuates around $11,000?

Brazil's GDP per capita, at around $11,000, highlights that while it is not classified as a Least Developed Country, it still faces significant inequality and poverty issues. The contrast with countries like the U.S. ($50,000 GDP per capita) shows the disparities in global wealth.

What is the connection between economic diversification and a country’s ability to recover from crises?

A diversified economy allows a country to withstand crises better. If a country produces only one product (e.g., potatoes), a disaster that affects that product can devastate the economy. However, countries with diverse industries can better absorb shocks and recover more quickly.