Development entails a modern infrastructure (both physical and institutional), and a move away from low value added sectors such as agriculture and natural resource extraction. Developed countries usually have economic systems based on continuous, self-sustaining economic growth and high standards of living, whereas developing countries usually have relatively low standards of living, undeveloped industrial bases, and moderate to low Human Development Indexes (HDI).

Double-click on any word to see its definition from Cambridge Dictionaries Online

magazine article: "Why are there so many people in the world without food, water, schools and doctors?" Read article

word game: Developing Nations. In this activity you have to fill in the gaps in 12 sentences with words related to development. Play game

story: A Visitor to the Star. Anna Winter pulled on her Gucci sunglasses and sprayed herself with the extra-strength mosquito repellent she had bought in the airport. Anna thought her job was very difficult, and she told everybody about this. How could she be a front-line, award-winning, adventurous journalist if she had to stay in bad hotels and eat bad food? Read story

cartoon: "Are people in big cities stupid, Sir?" "No of course not! Why on earth do you ask?" "Because my book says that's where ..." See cartoon

trivia: Worldplay: Department for International Development is an anagram of Plan to feed Poor - natter, lament it - never mind. See more development trivia

links: Wikipedia: developing country See more links

The British Council is not responsible for the content of external web sites.