MEDCs and LEDCs

Countries are classified economically based on industrial development and GDP (in the map, dark blue are developed, cyan are in transition, orange are less developed and red are least developed).

MEDCs - Most economically developed countries

(Tokyo, in Japan, one of the MEDCs)

• MEDCs are industrialized nations with high GDPs
• Relatively rich population and starvation is unlikely
• High level of resources per capita
• Relatively low population growth rates
• Shown in the map in blue (North America, Northern and Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand)

LEDCs - Least economically developed countries

(Port Au Prince, in Haiti, one of the LEDCs)

• Less industrialized or have no industries at all.
• Low GDPs and high poverty rates
• May have plenty of natural resources, but these are exported to MEDCs
• High population growth rates
• There are risks of starvation
• Shown in the map in red (Eastern and Western Africa, some parts of Asia)