Least-developed countries (LDCs), also known as less-developed countries, are nations that struggle with major structural issues hindering their sustainable development. As of now, the UN recognizes 46 countries on its list of LDCs.
Learn more about Least-Developed Countries
LDC face significant risks from economic and environmental challenges and generally have fewer resources compared to other nations. Sometimes, these countries are labeled as “emerging markets.” LDCs can tap into specific international support programs for development and trade that aren’t available to more developed countries.
The U.N.’s Committee for Development Policy (CDP) within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has established initiatives to help LDCs access and make the most of international support. This secretariat also monitors the status of LDCs and tracks their progress after they move out of the LDC classification.
The secretariat uses several criteria to determine which nations qualify as least-developed countries, focusing on income levels, human resources, and economic stability:
- The income threshold is set at $1,018, based on the three-year average of gross national income (GNI) per capita. The graduation threshold is 20% higher, coming in at $1,222.
- Human assets are assessed through five indicators that fall under health and education categories.
- The economic vulnerability index evaluates how susceptible a country is to economic and environmental shocks. A high vulnerability score suggests significant structural challenges to achieving sustainable development.
List of Least-Developed Countries 2024
| Country | Year of inclusion |
| Afghanistan | 1971 |
| Angola | 1994 |
| Bangladesh | 1975 |
| Benin | 1971 |
| Burkina Faso | 1971 |
| Burundi | 1971 |
| Cambodia | 1991 |
| Central African Republic | 1975 |
| Chad | 1971 |
| Comoros | 1977 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1991 |
| Djibouti | 1982 |
| Eritrea | 1994 |
| Ethiopia | 1971 |
| Gambia | 1975 |
| Guinea | 1971 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 1981 |
| Haiti | 1971 |
| Kiribati | 1986 |
| Lao People’s Democratic Republic | 1971 |
| Lesotho | 1971 |
| Liberia | 1990 |
| Madagascar | 1991 |
| Malawi | 1971 |
| Mali | 1971 |
| Mauritania | 1986 |
| Mozambique | 1988 |
| Myanmar | 1987 |
| Nepal | 1971 |
| Niger | 1971 |
| Rwanda | 1971 |
| Senegal | 2000 |
| Sierra Leone | 1982 |
| Solomon Islands | 1991 |
| Somalia | 1971 |
| South Sudan | 2012 |
| Sudan | 1971 |
| Timor-Leste | 2003 |
| Togo | 1982 |
| Tuvalu | 1986 |
| Uganda | 1971 |
| United Republic of Tanzania | 1971 |
| Yemen | 1971 |
| Zambia | 1991 |
Conclusion
Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) represent a group of nations facing significant and multifaceted challenges to their sustainable development. Characterized by low income, weak human assets, and high economic and environmental vulnerability, these 44 countries, home to over a billion people, require sustained attention and tailored support from the global community.