Global Inequality and Human Development Indicators
Characteristics of Developing Countries
Developing countries are characterized by low per capita income, usually less than $2,000 a year, which explains the low level of consumption. Generally, there is little developed industry. The economy is based on the exploitation of natural resources. These nations depend on developed countries for technology, consumer goods, and financial loans. The educated population is low, and infrastructure and services are often scarce, of poor quality, and inaccessible to many inhabitants.
The Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI) is used to calculate development by taking into account economic aspects, such as average income per capita, and social aspects, such as population literacy, access to healthcare, life expectancy at birth, and equality between men and women.
Economic Contrasts and GDP
To measure the economic development of a country, GDP is used. However, it is preferable to use GDP per capita, which is the GDP divided by the number of inhabitants. Rich countries are not necessarily those with large amounts of natural resources.
Global Food and Energy Consumption
Food consumption: At one end are developed countries, where issues like obesity and overnutrition are prevalent. At the other extreme, many countries have a high percentage of people suffering from chronic undernourishment, lacking access to the minimum 2,100 calories a day recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Power consumption: 80% of total energy consumption is concentrated in North America, Western Europe, Japan, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. By contrast, 2.5 billion people depend on firewood for the energy they need.
Social Contrasts and Basic Services
The poorest countries are deprived of technological advances and remain isolated from modern communications. Social contrasts are evident in food security: over 850 million people suffer from hunger, and 1.2 billion people lack access to water suitable for human consumption. Furthermore, 80% of illnesses and more than 30% of all deaths in underdeveloped countries are related to water pollution.
Healthcare and Education Challenges
Access to healthcare: Poor nutrition, consumption of unsafe water, and a lack of basic education in health and hygiene explain high mortality rates. Limited medical care and access to medicines further exacerbate this, with children being the most affected.
Education: In sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, 40% of the population is illiterate. These regions are home to 96% of the 115 million children who do not attend primary school.
Human Rights and Demographic Trends
The situation of women: In some developing countries, women have no rights in extreme cases. They cannot express their ideas, are excluded from social and political activities, and may not even own their bodies. They often perform the worst jobs under precarious conditions.
The situation of children: The exploitation of children between 5 and 14 years old is common. They work full or part-time in precarious conditions, often in a state of authentic slavery.
The pace of demographic growth: In developed countries, the population is stagnant or growing very little. In developing countries, the population is young and the fertility rate remains high.