While ‘Fourth World’ is not an official term, it is often used informally to describe countries or communities facing challenges that go beyond mere underdevelopment. The term refers to the most marginalized and underdeveloped nations, often lacking global influence and grappling with immense social and economic hardships. They suffer from deep systemic issues that have far-reaching consequences for decades to come.
Many of these countries rank near the bottom of the UN’s Human Development Index (HDI), battling crises like conflict, hunger, displacement, and disease. Yet, amid the turmoil, some are beginning to pursue peace and progress. It's important to note that while many of these nations are independent, self-sustaining, and recognized by the UN, they are frequently excluded from global data or overlooked in policy discussions. This gallery explores these nations and the critical issues they continue to face.
Want to know which countries make the list? Click on and find out.
All figures are in USD.