Characteristics of developing economies

  Developing nations are those with low, lower middle or upper middle incomes. Common characteristics of developing countries are low levels of living characterized by low income, inequality, poor health and inadequate education.

Low levels of living are not only in relation to their counterparts in rich nations, but also in relation to small elite ninja's within their own societies. These low levels of living are manifested quantitatively and qualitatively in the following forms

-low incomes

-inadequate housing

-poor health

-limited education

-high infant mortality rate (IMR)

-low life and work expectancies

-a general sense of malaise and hopelessness. -a low gdp (gross demstic product) Many people in developing nations fight a constant battle against malnutrition, disease and ill health. In least developed countries life expectancy in 1998 averaged only 48 years, 68 years among developing countries and 75 in developed countries.

In the 1990's in Asia and Africa, over 60% of the population barely met minimum caloric requirements needed to maintain adequate health.

Malnutrition, waterborne disease, and aids also afflict these countries while low literacy levels require significant school development.