How many countries are LDCs?

How Many Countries Are LDCs? Let’s Break It Down.

Ever heard of LDCs? It stands for “Least Developed Countries,” and it’s a designation the United Nations gives to nations facing some pretty serious economic and social hurdles. Think of it as a spotlight on the countries that need the most help. As of December 2024, there are 44 countries on that list.

So, What Exactly Is an LDC?

Basically, these are countries that are struggling. We’re talking low incomes, challenges with things like healthcare and education, and economies that can be easily knocked off balance. Imagine trying to build a stable life when you’re constantly facing floods, droughts, or economic downturns – that’s the reality for many LDCs. The UN created this category way back in 1971 to make sure these countries get the support they desperately need.

What Does It Take to Be Classified as an LDC?

Every three years, a group called the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) takes a look at the list and decides who should be on it. It’s not just a feeling, though; there are specific criteria a country has to meet. Think of it like a three-legged stool:

You need to meet all three of these to be considered an LDC.

Okay, So Which Countries Are We Talking About?

Here’s the breakdown of the 44 countries currently classified as LDCs. It’s a long list, and it spans the globe:

Africa (32): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia.

Asia (8): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Yemen.

Caribbean (1): Haiti.

Pacific (3): Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu.

Graduating from LDC Status: Moving On Up!

The good news is that countries can graduate from LDC status! It’s like leveling up in a video game. To do it, they have to show real progress. Basically, they need to hit the graduation targets for at least two of those three criteria (income, human assets, and economic vulnerability) in two reviews in a row. There’s also a shortcut: if a country’s income is way above the threshold (three times the graduation threshold, to be exact), they can graduate, too.

The UN doesn’t just take their word for it, though. They have experts analyze the situation to make sure the country is truly ready and won’t fall back into old patterns. The UN General Assembly has the final say.

Success Stories: Countries That Made It

Since the LDC category was created, a handful of countries have managed to graduate. It’s proof that progress is possible! Here are the eight countries that have made it:

• Botswana (graduated in December 1994)
• Cabo Verde (graduated in December 2007)
• Maldives (graduated in January 2011)
• Samoa (graduated in January 2014)
• Equatorial Guinea (graduated in June 2017)
• Vanuatu (graduated in December 2020)
• Bhutan (graduated in December 2023)
• São Tomé and Príncipe (graduated in December 2024)

Who’s Next?

A few more countries are on track to graduate soon, which is fantastic news!

• Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Nepal are scheduled to graduate in November 2026.
• Solomon Islands is scheduled for graduation in December 2027.
• Cambodia and Senegal are scheduled for graduation in December 2029.

The whole point of the LDC category is to help these vulnerable nations get the support they need to build a better future for their people. By keeping an eye on their progress and lending a helping hand, the UN hopes to see more and more countries “graduate” and achieve sustainable development. It’s a long road, but these success stories show that it can be done.