3rd World Countries List – Updated 2025 Ranking with GDP, HDI & Poverty Rate
The term “Third World Countries” is widely used around the world, especially in discussions related to development, poverty, infrastructure, economy, and global growth. Although the term originated during the Cold War, today it broadly refers to countries that are developing or underdeveloped, facing economic challenges, lower Human Development Index (HDI), limited industrial growth, and social inequalities. What Are 3rd World Countries? Earlier, during the Cold War, this term was used for nations that did not support USA or USSR. But today, the meaning has changed. Now, it mostly refers to countries with low income, weak human development numbers and high poverty. These are the same countries listed by the UN as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Originally, during the Cold War: First World meant countries aligned with the USA (Western capitalist nations). Second World referred to the Soviet Union and communist countries. Third World represented countries that were neutral or not aligned with either power. Modern Meaning Developing or underdeveloped countries Nations with low GDP, limited infrastructure, higher poverty, political instability, and low HDI ranking However, it is considered more respectful to use terms like: Developing countries Low-income economies Emerging nations List of 3rd World Countries (Developing / Underdeveloped) Below is a widely accepted list commonly considered as Third World or developing nations: Asia India Nepal Bangladesh Pakistan Afghanistan Sri Lanka Myanmar Cambodia Laos Vietnam Philippines Indonesia Mongolia Africa Nigeria Ethiopia Kenya Ghana Somalia Uganda Tanzania Sudan Angola Zambia Zimbabwe Mali Chad Rwanda Senegal South America Bolivia Peru Paraguay Guyana Suriname Ecuador Central America & Caribbean Haiti Honduras Nicaragua Guatemala Belize Jamaica Dominican Republic Middle East Yemen Syria Iraq Jordan Palestine Oceania Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Vanuatu Read : Comprehensive List of Countries PDF Top 10 Lowest Ranked Countries (Based on HDI, GDP and Poverty Rate 2025) These countries remain at the bottom of development rankings: South Sudan Somalia Central African Republic Chad Niger Mali Burundi Burkina Faso Sierra Leone Yemen Why These Countries Are Ranked Low Most countries on this list face long-term issues like weak government systems, limited job options, poor roads, low schooling levels and high corruption. These problems slow down growth and increase the number of people living in poverty. UN Support for 3rd World Countries Countries listed as LDCs get special global support such as easier trade entry, technical support, training programs and help in building better systems for health, education and transport. Highlights of 3rd World Countries List 2025 Total Countries 45 Nations Main Sources UN LDC List, HDI Report, World Bank GDP Data Top Regions Africa, Asia, Pacific, Caribbean Key Indicators GDP per capita, HDI score, Poverty Rate Next Global Review March 2025 (UN CDP) Read : List of Countries with Most Rare Earth Reserves
