5.1.3

Classifying Countries Based on Wealth

Test yourself

Classifying Countries Based on Wealth

Classifying countries based on wealth can be misleading. Because GNI per head is an average, variation between regions and classes is excluded. However, due to its simplicity, this approach is still common.

Illustrative background for Higher income countries (HICs)Illustrative background for Higher income countries (HICs) ?? "content

Higher income countries (HICs)

  • The wealthiest countries (e.g. the USA, Switzerland, the UK, Germany, Canada) are called HICs.
  • The GNI per capita (head), levels of education and literacy, and the quality of life are high.
  • GNI per capita (head) of $12,746 or more.
Illustrative background for Lower income countries (LICs)Illustrative background for Lower income countries (LICs) ?? "content

Lower income countries (LICs)

  • The poorest countries in the world (e.g. Somalia, Nepal, Ghana) are called LICs.
  • The GNI per capita (head), levels of education & literacy, and quality of life is low.
  • GNI per capita (head) of $1,045 or less.
Illustrative background for Newly emerging economies (NEEs)Illustrative background for Newly emerging economies (NEEs) ?? "content

Newly emerging economies (NEEs)

  • NEEs (e.g. Brazil, Indonesia, China, India) used to be LICs but have undergone 3-4 decades of development. They are usually strong at manufacturing products, have a growing middle class and the average quality of life has risen quickly.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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