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Top 25 Developed and Developing Countries

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BY INVESTOPEDIA

 Updated Sep 28, 2016

The primary factor used to distinguish developed countries from developing countries is gross domestic
product (GDP)per capita, a tally of all the goods and services produced in a country in one year,
expressed in U.S. dollars. GDP is calculated by dividing a country's GDP by its population. For example, a
small country with a GDP of $1 billion and a population of 50,000 has a GDP per capita of $20,000. One
unofficial threshold for a country with a developed economy is a GDP per capita of $12,000. Some
economists prefer to see a per capita GDP of at least $25,000 to be comfortable declaring a country as
developed, however. Many highly developed countries, including the United States, have high per capita
GDPs of $40,000 or above.

One major limitation of GDP is that consumer prices for the same items—say, a gallon of milk or a tank
of gasoline— vary from country to country, sometimes significantly.  To account for such differences, a
variant of GDP adjusts for purchasing power parity, converting goods valued at U.S. prices.

Top 10 Countries by GDP (PPP)

GDP-PPP RankCountry
GDP-PPP in USD trillions

(2017 est.)

China

$23.162United
States$19.393India$9.474Japan$5.435Germany$4.176Russia$4.007Indonesia$3.248Brazil

$3.24

9United Kingdom$2.9110France$2.83

While useful for a snapshot of the world’s economic powerhouses, such measures are also crude.
Countries obviously have different populations, which means that looking exclusively at GDP can distort
reality and/or be so evident as to be meaningless. Of course China (Pop: 1.4 billion) has a larger GDP
than Ireland (Pop: 5 million). So what? To suggest how a hypothetical average citizen might experience a
nation’s economic output, the more relevant statistic is GDP per capita.  The population of China may be
280 times larger than the population of Ireland. Yet the typical Irish person ($75,500) is nearly five times
richer than his Chinese counterpart ($16,700), even though despite the fact that his country is 280 times
smaller.  But if GDP per capita is a useful equalizer for comparative analysis, it should also be taken with
a grain of salt.  By definition, the countries with the highest GDP per capita are those with an unusual
concentration of wealth. So it’s unsurprisingly, the top 10 countries include geographically small royal
enclaves, tax shelters, gambling havens, and other epicenters of wealth.

In terms of overall wealth, these countries are middling: four of the 10 are in the Top 100 of GDP; the
other six are in the Top 200.
COUNTRY

STATUS

HDI

ArgentinaDeveloping0.83AustraliaDeveloped0.93BrazilDeveloping0.75CanadaDeveloped0.91ChileDevel
oped0.82ChinaDeveloping0.72FranceDeveloped0.89GermanyDeveloped0.91GreeceDeveloped0.87Israel
Developed0.89ItalyDeveloped0.87MalaysiaDeveloping0.78MexicoDeveloping0.76NetherlandsDevelope
d0.92NigeriaDeveloping0.51North KoreaDeveloping-
NorwayDeveloped0.94PhilippinesDeveloping0.66QatarDeveloping0.85RussiaDeveloping0.79South
KoreaDeveloped0.89SpainDeveloped0.87SwedenDeveloped0.90TaiwanDeveloped0.88TurkeyDeveloped
0.76

Differences Between Developed and Developing Countries

Exceeding even the $12,000 GDP does not automatically qualify a country as being developed.
Developed countries share several other characteristics: 

They are highly industrialized.Their birth and death rates are stable. They do not have excessively high
birth rates because, thanks to quality medical care and high living standards, infant mortality rates are
low. Families do not feel the need to have high numbers of children with the expectation that some will
not survive. No developed country has an infant mortality rate higher than 10 per 1,000 live births. In
terms of life expectancy, all developed countries boast numbers greater than 70 years; many average
80.They have more women working, particularly in high-ranking executive positions. These career-
oriented womenfrequently choose to have smaller families or eschew having children altogether.They
use a disproportionate amount of the world's resources, such as oil. In developed countries, more
people drive cars, fly on airplanes, and power their homes with electricity and gas. Inhabitants of
developing countries often do not have access to technologies that require the use of these resources.

They have higher levels of debt. Nations with developing economies cannot obtain the kind of seemingly
bottomless financing that more developed nations can.
Another measuring device: the human development index (HDI), developed by theUnited Nations as
a metric to assess the social and economic development levels of countries. It quantifies life expectancy,
educational attainment and income into a standardized number between 0 and 1; the closer to 1, the
more developed the country. No minimum requirement exists for developed status, but most developed
countries have HDIs of 0.8 or higher.

It's important to remember no set minimums or maximums exist for these metrics. Economists look at
the totality of a country's situation before rendering judgment, and they do not always agree on a
country's development status. For example, countries such as Mexico, Greece and Turkey are
considered developed by some organizations and developing by others.

That being said, here is a list that defines the generally agreed-upon status – developed or developing –
of 25 countries around the world.

Argentina

Argentina is a developing country, even though it ranks higher than the vast majority of non-developed
countries in most metrics.

Nobel laureate economist Simon Kuznetsonce quipped that there are four types of countries:
developed, undeveloped, Japan and Argentina. His implication was that the unique circumstances of
Argentina (and also of Japan) over the last century make the country difficult to pigeonhole as either
developed or developing.

During the first part of the 20th century, Argentina was economically strong, and its living standards
were high. Unfortunately, the ensuing decades witnessed political upheaval, economic turmoil and rapid
erosion in quality of life. Argentineans'purchasing power was nearly wiped out in the early 1990s
when inflation topped 2,000%.

Today the country's economy has rebounded somewhat. It is one of the strongest in South America or
Central America. At greater than $14,000, Argentina's GDP per capita exceeds the $12,000 figure that
most economists consider a minimum for consideration as a developed country. Many other issues,
however, plague Argentina.

The country's infant mortality rate is 12 per 1,000 babies, which is double the rate of most developed
nations, such as the United States. To compensate for the high number of infant deaths, Argentineans
have more children than do families in most developed countries, as evidenced by the country's high
birth rate of 17 per 1,000 people. There are large areas of Argentina where residents do not have access
to clean water, healthy food or adequate medical care.

Australia

Australia is one of the most developed countries in the world. Its per capita GDP, at $49,144 as of 2016,
ranks well above any reasonable threshold for developed country status. The country's infant mortality
rate is three per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest rates in the world.

As of 2016, the HDI for Australia was 0.93, one of the highest in the world (second only to Norway). The
Land Down Under boasts widespread industrialization, high literacy rates and quality health care for
most of its citizens.

Brazil

Brazil is not a developed country. Though it has several characteristics of one, including the largest
economy in South America or Central America, Brazil is still considered as developing due to its low GDP
per capita, low living standards, high infant mortality rate and other factors.

Brazil, as of 2016, has a population of 209.4 million and a GDP of 1.775 trillion. The country's GDP per
capita is $8,651. While high for a developing country, this amount still falls short of the $12,000
threshold needed for classification as a developed country.

Brazil's high birth rate, at 15.2 births per 1,000 people, is also characteristic of a developing country. In
addition to a high birth rate, Brazil has a high death rate. Several factors contribute, including lack of
clean water; limited access to adequate health care, particularly in rural areas; deplorable housing
conditions in many regions; and substandard diets. Developed countries have better infrastructure in
place to support the health of their citizens.

A Brazilian's life expectancy, at 74 years, ranks higher than that of most developing countries but falls
well short of 80, which is the average for developed nations. Once again, lack of quality health care
prevents many citizens from growing into old age, since these are the years when quality health services
are needed most.

Canada

Canada is a developed country. As the 11th-largest world economy, Canada has a diverse economic
base. It has a wealth of natural resources, including oil, gas, and coal. As such, the country is able to
support its own energy needs as well as export natural resources to other countries.

Canada's proximity to the United States and a favorable exchange rate have also triggered a strong
manufacturing climate in the country. Global companies such as Procter & Gamble, General Motors,
Ford and Honda are among those that manufacture products in Canada.

Canadians enjoy universal health care coverage, with all residents having access to free medical care
through a government-provided program. Canada has a strong public school system and highly-ranked
universities. In a recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
Canadian students demonstrated above-average math and science performances, placing in the top 10
of all participants. Canada's top universities include the University of Toronto, the University of British
Columbia and McGill University. Canada also boasts a generous national paid leave program for new
parents.

With a robust economy, highly regarded educational institutions and a high standard of living for its
residents, Canada displays the necessary attributes to make it a developed country.

Chile
Chile is a developed country. It is also the only country in Latin America that is generally recognized as a
developed country. In 2010, the country made the historic step of joining the OECD. Chile's economic
and quality of life metrics, such as its per capita gross domestic product (GDP), infant mortality rate, life
expectancy and human development index (HDI) are sufficient for most economists to classify the
country as developed.e also offer some wiggle room. However, no developed country has a life
expectancy below 70 or an infant mortality rate higher than 10 per 1,000 live births.

As of 2016, the per capita GDP in Chile was $22,145. This is low for a developed country, but it has
improved rapidly throughout the 21st century and continues to trend upward. The country's life
expectancy is 75 and its infant mortality rate is 7 per 1,000. These are not elite numbers but they are
good enough for development status.

Chile's HDI is 0.82, slightly above the 0.8 threshold. Perhaps most importantly, the outlook for Chile is
exceedingly bright; this is based on the remarkable improvements the country has made in its economy
and quality of life in a short period of time.

China

China is not a developed country. Despite having the world's second-largest economy and third-largest
military, China is still not classified as a developed country. The biggest reason: Its per capita GDP
remains below any accepted minimum threshold for developed-country status. Other attributes
indicating China is not developed include its high proportion of agriculture and low level of technological
innovation. Poverty is widespread in China; in fact, more Chinese people live in poverty than the entire
population of England. Over one-sixth of the country's residents live on less than $2 per day.

As of 2016, China's per capita GDP is $9,844. Its life expectancy is 75, and its infant mortality rate is nine
per 1,000 live births.

France

France is a developed country and has one of the world's largest economies. As of 2016, France has the
world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP), and it is the fourth-largest
nation in terms of aggregate household wealth. While at $39,678, its GDP per capita is a bit lower than
other European nations such as Germany and Switzerland, its HDI is a robust .89.

France is a founding member of the Group of Seven (G-7), an international organization established in

1985 to ease economic cooperation among the world's largest industrial nations. France has the
European Union’s second-largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP), trailing only Germany.
France benefits from a diverse economy, featuring technology, transportation and agriculture. Featuring
some of the world’s most famous art museums and best cuisine, France is renowned for its culture. With
84 million visitors annually, it ranks as the number one tourist destination in the world. The tourism
industry is responsible for 7% of the nation’s GDP.

Germany

Germany is a developed country due to both a thriving economy and a high quality of life for its
residents.

Driven by its highly skilled labor force, Germany is Europe's strongest economy, and it is the fourth
largest economy in the world. The nation is known for delivering world-class quality in products
including machinery, motor vehicles, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Germany recently surpassed
China as the world's largest surplus economy, with its exported products exceeding its imported
products. Top German companies include Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG, Siemens AG, BASF and Bayer AG.
The country's per capita GDP is $47,268.

German citizens enjoy access to universal health care coverage. All Germans must belong to a nonprofit
sickness fund that covers most necessary medical procedures and medications. In addition to providing
adequate health care programs, Germany also provides public education to all of its residents. According
to OECD, German children are provided with access to early education programs. The German education
system has a dual vocational and academic track, training students to easily move into employment if
they choose not to attend university. In addition, German students have recently shown progress in
both reading and math performance.

Greece
Greece is a developed country by most meaningful metrics. However, its well-documented financial
struggles in the last decade have caused doubt in some quarters: Things became so bad in 2013 that
index provider MCSI downgraded Greece from a developed economy to an emerging market economy. 

As of 2016, Greece's per capita GDP is $26,680. This is sufficient for most economists to classify the
country as developed. Its infant mortality rate, at four per 1,000 as of 2015, is very low. As of 2013,
Greeks also have an impressive life expectancy at 81 years of age.

Greece's HDI is 0.87, which also places it above the most common threshold for developed status.

Greece has dominated headlines with its fiscal woes, but based on its per capita GDP, infant mortality
rate, life expectancy and living standards, it is still very much a developed nation.

Israel

Israel is considered a developed country, although it has substantial poverty and large income
gaps. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranked Israel as 23rd in the world by its per capita GDP of
$35,432.

Israel has a highly developed technology sector. Except for China, Israel has the most companies listed
on the NASDAQ exchange outside of the United States. In 2014, Israeli tech companies had 18 initial
public offerings (IPOs) that generated $9.8 billion.

The UN states that Israel’s life expectancy increased by 7.7 years between 1980 and 2013. Years of
expected schooling increased by 3.1 years during the same time frame. GDP increased by around 112%.
Overall, the United Nations gives Israel an HDI value of 0.89, which ranks Israel18th in the world.

The UN notes that despite Israel's high score on the HDI, there is a lack of uniform distribution of human
development across the entire population. The UN has created an Inequality-Adjusted HDI to give a
more accurate representation on how the HDI factors are spread across a country, and Israel’s
Inequality-Adjusted HDI is 0.78, which is over a 10% drop due to inequality. Though less than the
average loss for high HDI countries (which is 12.3%), it indicates that, despite the high HDI score, not all
of Israel’s population has the same access to education, health care and income.

Italy

Italy is a developed nation with extensive infrastructure, a rich cultural history and control over several
exports. Italy has the eighth-highest nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the world at $1.16 trillion;
its per capital GDP stands at $35,896. Italy's manufacturing industry is very well-developed, and it is
ranked sixth in the world. In particular, Italy is known for producing high-quality luxury products, such as
fashion accessories, sports cars and food products. It is the world's second-largest producer of wine.
Italy's largest export is cars, accounting for 3% of all exports. Other notable exports include footwear,
furniture and precious metal jewelry.

Sixty-eight percent of Italy's 25 million workers are employed in service industries, while 4% work in
agriculture, which is a key indicator that the nation is developed. Standard & Poor's has assigned the
country a credit rating of BBB-. Italy alone accounts for 4.92% of the entire world's wealth, ranked fifth
in the world for cumulative wealth. The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.87 and is the
27th highest in the world.

Foreign reserves weigh in at $181.7 billion. Natural gas wells have been discovered in the Po Valley and
in the Adriatic Sea, which may contribute to future income reserves. The country's state-owned network
of railroads is well-developed and is the 12th largest in the world. Italy is home to a number of
multinational corporations with notable yearly revenues, including the petroleum company Eni and
energy company Enel. The present-day commercial banking industry has its beginning in Italy, and today
the nation's largest financial services company, UniCredit, is regularly ranked on the Fortune 500 list.

Malaysia

Malaysia is not considered a developed country, despite undergoing rapid economic development over
the past five decades. Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP), per capita income, level of
industrialization and overall standard of living are not on par with other developed nations. 
With a GDP per capita of $9,766 and an HDI of 0.78 currently, Malaysia is classified as an emerging
economy by the World Bank. TheInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) also classifies Malaysia as an
emerging and developing country. Malaysia shares common characteristics with other emerging
economies, such as Brazil, Indonesia and China, including low-to-middle per capita earnings,
rapid economic growth, high volatility, less mature capital markets and above-average return for
investors.

Still, the country is coming close to developed status. Since the 1970s, Malaysia has gone from relying
primarily on raw natural resources to becoming a leading exporter of natural gas and lower-cost
consumer goods – especially electronics and electrical appliances – to developed nations.

Mexico

As of 2016, Mexico is not quite a developed country, even though it beats the majority of its peers in the
developing world on most economic and quality of life metrics. As of 2016, Mexico's per capita GDP is
$17,276. While that is higher than the common $12,000 threshold, it's insufficient given various quality-
of-life factors that come close to, but don't quite hit, acceptable levels for developed-nation status. A life
expectancy of 77 years ranks higher than most developing countries, but it still falls below the U.S. (79
years) and Canada (81 years). The story is the same for infant mortality rate, which is 11 per 1,000 live
births. In addition, Mexico is plagued by large swaths of poverty, lack of quality health care and limited
access to clean water. Its overall HDI score is 0.76.

Mexico is close. Consider it one of the most advanced developing countries in the world.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a developed country, demonstrating relative strength across all the metrics, and
combining a robust economy with a high standard of living for its residents.

The Netherlands' GDP is the 17th highest in the world, which is impressive considering that its
population of almost 17 million people ranks 65th in the world. When considering per capita GDP, the
Netherlands' economy demonstrates its real power, with a figure of $48,458 that moves it up to 11th
place. The Netherlands is the eighth-highest exporter of products in the world, specializing in the export
of petroleum and computers. Many global companies base their headquarters in the Netherlands,
including Royal Dutch Shell, ING Groep and Koninklijke Philips.

According to the OECD, the Netherlands fares well in providing its citizens with the tools necessary to
build a high quality of life. The Netherlands ranks above average in education excellence. Although the
country is below average in environmental quality, the health and life expectancy for residents is in line
with other developed countries. Interestingly, the Netherlands ranks very highly in terms of work/life
balance, with fewer than 0.5% of residents reporting that they work long hours in comparison with the
global average of 13%. Its HDI is a sterling .92, the fifth-highest in the world.

Nigeria

Nigeria is not a developed country by any reasonable measure. The country's per capita gross domestic
product (GDP) is much too low, as are its living standards. Industrialization in Nigeria lags behind all the
countries upon which universal agreement of developed status exists. Nigeria also suffers from low
literacy rates, poor health care and a stratospheric infant mortality rate.

As of 2016, Nigeria's per capita GDP sits at $5,992. Even if you do not adhere to the $12,000 threshold as
a hard-and-fast rule, Nigeria's economy comes in well below any reasonable definition of "developed."
Poverty is widespread, and large swaths of the country lack access to quality health care and even clean
water.

The infant mortality rate in Nigeria is a high 69 per 1,000 live births, while the life expectancy rate is low:
only 53 years. Its overall HDI value is  .51.

Based on its economy, health care and living standards, Nigeria is a long way from being classified as a
developed country.

North Korea
North Korea is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world.  Because of its penchant
for secrecy and isolation, exact metrics on the country's economy are difficult to obtain. However, the
most recent estimates place its per capita gross domestic product (GDP) at a pitifully low level and
reveal soaring poverty rates and horrific standards of living.

North Korea is run by a totalitarian regimethat permits no economic freedom. The means of production
are 100% controlled by the government. The country's leadership is hostile to most of the world, which
makes obtaining reliable economic data on North Korea fraught with difficulty.

Best estimates place North Korea's per capita GDP at less than $2,000, which indicates a wretchedly
poor economy. More than one-quarter of the country's residents are so poor they do not get enough to
eat each day. Technological innovation in North Korea is almost nil; agricultural products comprise most
of the country's exports. While figures on infant mortality and life expectancy cannot be obtained with
reasonable accuracy, most analysts project these numbers as abysmal and well below any meaningful
threshold for developed country status.

Norway

Norway is a highly developed country, and typically has a world GDP ranking in the top 30, with a 2014
GDP at $500 million in 2014. Norway's per capita GDP is ranked ninth in the world at $61,471. Since the
industrial revolution, the country’s major export has been crude oil and petroleum products. Norway is
the third-largest exporter of natural gas in the world, which has helped it build a large sovereign wealth
fund of $830 billion. The export of petroleum has helped bolster Norway’s economy, and the country’s
residents have an average gross salary of $5,166 per month, making it one of the wealthier nations in
the world. The country’s oil economy is controlled by the government through broad regulation.
Enterprises are largely state-owned and funded.

Norway has been assigned a AAA credit rating from Standard and Poor's Financial Services and Fitch
Ratings, Inc. It has established some of the world’s most stringent anti-corruption laws and is ranked
fifth of 177 countries for its equitable court systems and enforcement of property right laws. The
country’s regulations promote business freedom and freedom in trade; the economy of Norway was
ranked 27th most free in the world in 2015 by the World Heritage Foundation. Norway has high taxes to
support its infrastructure and public systems. The top income tax rate falls at 47.8%.
Part of what signifies Norway as a developed country is a vast majority of workers (77.6%) are employed
in the services sector rather than in agriculture or manufacturing. Norway's HDI rank of .94 is the highest
in the world.

The Philippines

The Philippines is not a developed country. The nation falls behind on every one of the most common
metrics used by economist to determine development status. The Philippines' per capita gross domestic
product (GDP), Human Development Index (HDI) and life expectancy sit well below the thresholds for
developed country status. Moreover, the country's infant mortality rate is very high, its industrialization
is minimal, and many of its citizens lack access to quality health care and higher education.

As of 2016, per capita GDP in the Philippines is $7,358, well below any accepted minimum for developed
country status. The country's latest HDI is 0.66. Its infant mortality rate is 22 per 1,000 live births and its
life expectancy is 69 years.

The Philippines is very much a developing country, and it has a long way to go to reach developed
status.

Qatar

Qatar is a developing country, according to the United Nations. However, as the country with the
highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita ($143,788), Qatar proves to be somewhat of an
exception to the rule of what counts as developing. Many citizens enjoy luxuries of the developed world,
such as access to technology, leisure activities, fast food and expendable income.

Many of Qatar’s elite have lifestyles that are comparable to or even more lavish than citizens of
developed countries, particularly in the country's capital, Doha. The income gap between the wealthiest
and poorest citizens of Qatar is very skewed. While there is extreme wealth and access for some, there
is extreme poverty and struggle for many more – reminiscent of the conditions that typify many of the
other developing countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula. Perhaps that's why Qatar's HDI is .85 –
above the minimum for a developed country, but low considering how high the GDP is.
Qatar's infrastructure is also lacking in transportation and education. The steady growth of Qatar’s
population, due in part to a constant stream of immigrants (approximately 500 per day), is straining
Qatar’s existing outdated and undersized transportation infrastructure beyond capacity. Schools are also
exceedingly rare, which has led to exceptionally high rates of parents homeschooling their children.

Qatar's markets are booming largely because of the oil industry in the country. Dramatic plans have
been laid out for new benchmarks in 2022, when the country will host the World Cup, and 2030, when
Qatar’s "2030 Vision" is planned to finish unfurling. Perhaps by then, it will have become a developed
country.

Russia

Russia is not currently classified as a developed country, though it once reigned alongside the United
States as a world superpower.  The country's economy fell apart with the 1991 implosion of the Soviet
Union. Poverty is widespread, living standards are low and, typical of a non-developed country,
exportation of natural resources fuels much of Russia's economy.

Russia is borderline at best on most developed-country metrics. Its per capita GDP is $24,451. Its infant
mortality rate is eight per 1,000, while life expectancy  is an unimpressive 71 years. Its HDI is .79 and,
when adjusted for inequality, drops to .71.

Russia's economy lacks diversity, with natural resources driving much of it. Shockingly for a nation that
led the space race for a time in the mid-20th century, little to no technological innovation has come out
of Russia in the 21st century. Russia, as of 2015, is clearly not a developed country.

South Korea

A few index providers may disagree, butSouth Korea is widely regarded as having joined the developed
world. The country has a strong per capita gross domestic product (GDP), low infant mortality rate and
high life expectancy, and offers its citizens widespread access to quality health care and higher
education.
South Korea's per capita GDP, at $34,549 as of 2016, meets developed-country criteria by any
reasonable standard. Life expectancy is an impressive 81 years; the infant mortality rate is similarly low,
at three per 1,000 live births.

 As of 2016, South Korea's HDI is 0.89.

Spain

Spain is a developed country. Nearly all organizations that analyze development status classify it as such.
Spain has a strong per capita gross domestic product (GDP), a long life expectancy and a low infant
mortality rate. 

Spain's per capita GDP, as of 2016, is $34,526. Its infant mortality and life expectancy numbers are
excellent; fewer than four infants die per 1,000 live births, and the average Spaniard lives to be 82.
Spain's 2013 HDI score is 0.87, well above the commonly accepted threshold for developed country
status. With a diversified economy, widespread quality health care and higher education, and solid
economic and quality of life metrics, Spain is unquestionably a developed country as of 2016.

Sweden

Sweden is considered to be a developed country. In fact, Sweden is considered to be one of the most
highly developed post-industrial societies in the world. According to the IMF, Sweden has a gross
domestic product (GDP) per capita of $46,420 as of 2016. It is ranked number 17 in the world in terms of
GDP per capita.

Sweden also ranks highly on the HDI, with a value for 2016 of .90. This ranking places Sweden at number
14 out of 187 countries.

According to the UN, Sweden's life expectancy increased by six years between 1980 and 2013 – it's
currently at 82 years – with mean years of schooling increasing by three years. The average Swede
enjoys nearly 16 years of education. The standard of living, measured by gross national income,
increased by over 80% in the same period.

Sweden is known for having a high quality of life, with low unemployment and poverty rates. Citizens
have free access to health care. As a society, Sweden places great importance on environmental
sustainability as well.

Taiwan

As of 2016, the CIA World Factbook has yet to add Taiwan to its list of developed countries. However,
many organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), do classify the island formerly
known as Formosa as developed. The country's economic and quality of life metrics lend further support
to its status as a developed country. Taiwan's per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is strong, and the
country's economy is diversified. Its citizens have a long life expectancy, low infant mortality rate and
good access to quality health care and higher education.

Taiwan's per capita GDP, at $39,767, easily classifies it as a developed country. Its infant mortality rate is
four per 1,000 live births and its life expectancy is 79 years, both numbers ranking it among the world's
most-developed nations. Taiwan also maintains an impressive HDI score of .88 (though it is calculated by
its own government, as the UN dos not recognize it as a sovereign state).

Overall, Taiwan resembles a developed country more than it resembles a developing one.

Turkey

Perhaps the best example of a country that straddles the line between developed and developing is
Turkey. The CIA World Factbook classifies it as a developed nation. However, other groups such as Dow
Jones, FTSE and MSCI still consider it developing. Confounding the issue is Turkey's per capita gross
domestic product (GDP), infant mortality rate and life expectancy, all of which hover in the gray area.
As of 2015, Turkey's per capita GDP is $19,618 (more than the bare minimum of $12,000, but below the
$25,000 that some economists prefer for "developed" status). Its infant mortality rate, at 12 per 1,000,
is high for a developed country, but not necessarily disqualifying. The story is similar for the country's
life expectancy of 75 years.

As for HD,  Turkey's is 0.76, falling a tad short of the .8 threshold for developed nations.

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