WG.14 b - Distinguishing Between Developed and Developing Countries

The student will apply social science skills to compare and contrast the distribution, growth rates, and characteristics of human population by 

b) distinguishing between developed and developing countries; 

(moved from WG.8)

Many criteria are used to assess the standard of living and quality of life.

Demographics typical of developed economies 

• High per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
• High life expectancy 
• Low population growth rate 
• Low infant mortality rate 
• High literacy rate 
  

Demographics typical of developing economies 

• Low per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
• Low life expectancy 
• High population growth rate 
• High infant mortality rate 
• Low literacy rate 
  

Differences between developed and developing nations 

• Access to natural resources 
• Access to capital resources (investment in technology and infrastructure) 
• Number and skills of human resources 
• Levels of economic development 
• Standard of living and quality of life 
• Relationships between economic development and quality of life