Question

Define a. developed country \mathbf. less-developed country c. population growth rate

Short answer

A developed country is a region with a highly developed economy, technological infrastructure, and higher living standards compared to less-developed countries. A less-developed country, on the other hand, possesses a less developed economy, lower literacy rates, poor healthcare facilities, and lower living standards. The population growth rate is the rate at which the population increases over time expressed as a percentage per annum, calculated based on birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration, and the initial population.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of a Developed Country

A developed country, also known as an advanced country or a more economically developed country (MEDC), is a sovereign state with a highly developed economy and advanced technological infrastructure relative to other less industrialized countries. This is usually categorized by indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), net gross national product (GNP), per capita income, literacy rate, healthcare facilities, and the standard of living among others. The development level of countries is often assessed by international institutions like the United Nations or the World Bank.

Definition of a Less-Developed Country

A less-developed country, also referred to as a developing or underdeveloped country, is a country with a less developed economy and a lower standard of living compared to others, primarily in terms of lower levels of industry, advanced technology, and modern infrastructure. Generally, these countries are characterized by lower gross domestic product (GDP), lower gross national product (GNP), lower per capita income, higher illiteracy rate, poor healthcare facilities, and lower living conditions. These definitions are not universal as some countries might display mix characteristics.

Definition of Population Growth Rate

The population growth rate is the rate at which the number of individuals in a population increases in a given time period as a fraction of the initial population. It is usually expressed as a percentage per annum. This rate can be calculated using the formula: Population Growth Rate = ((Birth rate + Immigration) - (Death rate + Emigration))/Initial Population × 100. It is a key demographic indicator, essential for planning resources, infrastructure and sustainability.

Key concepts

Developed Country

When we talk about a developed country, we're referring to a nation with an established economic foundation, often marked by significant industrialization and advanced technology infrastructures. What truly sets apart these countries is the high quality of life their citizens enjoy, made possible by efficient health care systems, comprehensive educational opportunities, and stable governance.

Indicators such as a high gross domestic product (GDP), substantial gross national product (GNP), and increased per capita income play crucial roles in identifying these nations. Moreover, a developed country is characterized by high literacy rates and a significant level of employment in the tertiary sector, which provides services rather than goods. Investment in research and development is substantial, spurring innovation and solidifying a sophisticated economy.

It is essential to recognize that the high standard of living often found in these countries leads to a wide range of social services designed to support the population across various stages of life, from high-quality education systems to social welfare programs.

Less-Developed Country

In contrast to their developed counterparts, a less-developed country typically grapples with a myriad of economic and social challenges. The landscape of these nations is defined by a lower level of industrial activity and frequently a heavy reliance on agricultural outputs as the backbone of the economy.

The metrics of GDP and GNP are markedly lower in these countries, alongside reduced per capita incomes — a reflection of the struggling economic circumstances. Moreover, lower literacy rates and a lack of extensive educational opportunities stymie the potential for development. Health care facilities often lack the resources seen in more affluent nations, contributing to a lower standard of living and heightened vulnerability to health crises.

However, it's important not to oversimplify the status of a less-developed country. They often exhibit a dynamic mix of attributes, with pockets of industrial advancement and growing sectors that promise the potential for future progress. International aid, development assistance, and policy reforms are frequently directed toward these regions to stimulate socioeconomic improvements.

Population Growth Rate

The population growth rate is an essential demographic measurement that captures how quickly a population size changes over a period. It takes into account four main factors: births, deaths, immigration, and emigration. The calculation of the rate is critical as it bears direct consequences on planning and resource allocation for a country.

To compute the population growth rate, the following formula is applied: \[Population Growth Rate = \frac{((Birth rate + Immigration) - (Death rate + Emigration))}{Initial Population} \times 100\].Expressed as a percentage, this figure allows governments and institutions to grasp a clear picture of demographic trends. High population growth can signify burgeoning human capital and market potential, but without corresponding economic development, it may also lead to an escalation in unemployment, pressure on infrastructure, and inadequate access to education and health services.

This rate is also intertwined with a country's development status — less-developed countries often have higher population growth rates due to higher birth rates, while developed countries may experience lower or negative growth rates, reflecting different social and economic dynamics.