Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Developed country Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Global Economic Development and Classification Systems

Cheat Sheet:
Global Economic Development and Classification Systems Study Guide

Concepts and Criteria of Economic Development

A developed country is primarily defined by its large agricultural sector and low per capita income.

Answer: False

Explanation: Developed countries are characterized by advanced technological infrastructure, high quality of life, and post-industrial economies where the service sector generates more wealth than the industrial sector, contrasting with developing countries that may have large agricultural sectors and lower per capita incomes.

Return to Game

The United Nations Statistics Division has a strict, established convention for designating 'developed' and 'developing' countries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Nations Statistics Division explicitly states that there is no established convention for designating 'developed' and 'developing' countries, and these terms are used for statistical convenience rather than definitive judgments.

Return to Game

The United Kingdom was the first country to industrialize.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Kingdom is identified as the first industrialized country, followed by Belgium, leading the initial wave of industrial transformation.

Return to Game

Jeffrey Sachs believes the division between the developed and developing world is an ancient historical phenomenon.

Answer: False

Explanation: Economist Jeffrey Sachs posits that the current division between the developed and developing world is largely a phenomenon that emerged in the 20th century, not an ancient one.

Return to Game

Mathis Wackernagel supported the binary labeling of countries as 'developed' or 'developing' as an accurate descriptor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mathis Wackernagel criticized the binary labeling of countries as 'developed' or 'developing,' calling it 'neither descriptive nor explanatory' and a 'thoughtless and destructive endorsement of GDP fetish.'

Return to Game

The term 'emerged' describes countries that are still considered 'emerging markets' but have high HDI scores.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'emerged' is proposed to describe markets, economies, or countries that have advanced beyond 'emerging market' status but have not yet reached the full level of developed countries.

Return to Game

The WESP report for January 2025 classifies 37 countries as 'developed economies'.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of January 2025, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' *World Economic Situation and Prospects* (WESP) report classifies 37 countries as 'developed economies'.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT a common criterion used to evaluate a country's degree of economic development?

Answer: Average annual rainfall

Explanation: Common criteria for evaluating economic development include GDP, GNP, per capita income, industrialization, infrastructure, and standard of living. Average annual rainfall is not a standard economic development criterion.

Return to Game

How do the economies of developed countries primarily differ from those of developing countries?

Answer: Developed countries have post-industrial economies where the service sector generates more wealth than the industrial sector.

Explanation: Developed countries are characterized by post-industrial economies where the service sector is the primary wealth generator, whereas developing countries are often in the process of industrialization or remain predominantly agrarian.

Return to Game

Which country was the first to industrialize, according to the source material?

Answer: United Kingdom

Explanation: The United Kingdom is identified as the first country to industrialize, initiating the global industrial transformation.

Return to Game

What was Mathis Wackernagel's primary criticism of the binary labeling of countries as 'developed' or 'developing'?

Answer: He called it 'neither descriptive nor explanatory' and a 'thoughtless and destructive endorsement of GDP fetish.'

Explanation: Mathis Wackernagel strongly criticized the binary classification of countries, stating it was 'neither descriptive nor explanatory' and represented a 'thoughtless and destructive endorsement of GDP fetish,' advocating for a more nuanced understanding of national diversity.

Return to Game

As of January 2025, how many countries are classified as 'developed economies' by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' *World Economic Situation and Prospects* (WESP) report?

Answer: 37

Explanation: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' *World Economic Situation and Prospects* (WESP) report for January 2025 classifies 37 countries as 'developed economies'.

Return to Game

Which of the following European countries is classified as a 'developed economy' by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' WESP report as of January 2025?

Answer: Bulgaria

Explanation: As of January 2025, Bulgaria is listed among the 31 European countries classified as 'developed economies' by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' WESP report.

Return to Game

Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) combines national income, life expectancy, and education to assess human development.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistical measure that integrates national income, life expectancy, and education levels to provide a comprehensive assessment of human development within an economy.

Return to Game

Norway has consistently held the highest HDI scores since 1990 for most years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Norway has consistently achieved the highest Human Development Index (HDI) scores for most years since 1990, specifically from 2001–2006 and 2009–2019.

Return to Game

As of 2023 data published in 2025, Switzerland ranks first in the Human Development Index.

Answer: False

Explanation: Based on 2023 data published in 2025, Iceland ranks first in the Human Development Index, while Switzerland is tied for second place with Norway.

Return to Game

What is one significant limitation of the Human Development Index (HDI) as a measure of a country's advancement?

Answer: It does not account for net wealth per capita or the relative quality of goods within a country.

Explanation: A significant limitation of the Human Development Index (HDI) is its failure to account for factors such as net wealth per capita or the relative quality of goods within a country, which can affect a nation's overall advancement ranking.

Return to Game

Which countries have historically held the highest HDI scores since 1990, according to the source?

Answer: Norway, Japan, Canada, Iceland

Explanation: Since 1990, Norway, Japan, Canada, and Iceland have consistently achieved the highest Human Development Index (HDI) scores, demonstrating sustained high levels of human development.

Return to Game

Based on the 2023 data published in 2025, which country holds the first rank in the Human Development Index?

Answer: Iceland

Explanation: According to the 2023 data published in 2025, Iceland holds the first rank in the Human Development Index with an HDI value of 0.972.

Return to Game

IMF Advanced Economies Classification

According to the IMF's 2023 data, advanced economies account for over 60% of global GDP based on nominal values.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2023, advanced economies account for 57.3% of global GDP based on nominal values, not over 60%, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Return to Game

The IMF officially lists 41 countries and territories as 'advanced economies'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially lists 41 countries and territories as 'advanced economies,' with additional microstates and dependencies included by the CIA.

Return to Game

According to the IMF's 2023 data, what percentage of global GDP do advanced economies comprise based on nominal values?

Answer: 57.3%

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund's 2023 data indicates that advanced economies account for 57.3% of the global GDP based on nominal values.

Return to Game

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), how many countries and territories are officially listed as 'advanced economies' (excluding CIA additions)?

Answer: 41

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially lists 41 countries and territories as 'advanced economies,' excluding the additional microstates and dependencies noted by the CIA.

Return to Game

Which of the following is an Asian country or territory listed as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF (including CIA additions)?

Answer: Macau

Explanation: Macau is listed among the eight Asian countries and territories classified as 'advanced economies' by the IMF, including CIA additions.

Return to Game

World Bank High-Income Economies Classification

The World Bank classifies economies as high-income if their nominal GNI per capita exceeds $10,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of the 2025 fiscal year, the World Bank classifies economies as high-income if their nominal GNI per capita exceeds $13,935, not $10,000.

Return to Game

An asterisk next to a country name in the World Bank's high-income list signifies it is a sovereign state.

Answer: False

Explanation: An asterisk next to a country or territory name in the World Bank's list of high-income economies indicates that it is a non-sovereign territory, not a sovereign state.

Return to Game

What is the World Bank's criterion for classifying high-income economies as of the 2025 fiscal year?

Answer: A nominal GNI per capita exceeding $13,935.

Explanation: As of the 2025 fiscal year, the World Bank classifies economies as high-income if their nominal GNI per capita exceeds $13,935.

Return to Game

What does an asterisk (*) next to a country or territory name in the World Bank's list of high-income economies signify?

Answer: It signifies that it is a non-sovereign territory.

Explanation: An asterisk (*) next to a country or territory name in the World Bank's list of high-income economies indicates that it is a non-sovereign territory, distinguishing it from independent states.

Return to Game

International Aid and Debt Organizations

The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) is primarily a forum for developing countries to request aid.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) is primarily a forum for major donor countries (OECD members and the EU) to coordinate solutions for development aid and poverty reduction, not for developing countries to request aid.

Return to Game

The Paris Club consists of 22 permanent members who are officials from major creditor countries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Paris Club is composed of 22 permanent members, who are officials from major creditor countries, and its function is to find coordinated solutions for debtor countries' payment difficulties.

Return to Game

Brazil is a permanent member of the Paris Club.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brazil is one of three countries from the Americas that are permanent members of the Paris Club, a group of major creditor countries.

Return to Game

Australia is the only permanent member of the Paris Club from Oceania.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australia is indeed the sole permanent member of the Paris Club from Oceania, participating in the group of major creditor countries.

Return to Game

Singapore is a DAC member from Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Singapore is listed as one of the three Asian countries that are members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC), alongside Japan and South Korea.

Return to Game

What is the primary role of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC)?

Answer: To serve as a forum for major donor countries to coordinate solutions for development aid and poverty reduction.

Explanation: The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) primarily functions as a forum for major donor countries to coordinate strategies and solutions for development aid and poverty reduction in developing countries.

Return to Game

How many permanent members are there in the Paris Club?

Answer: 22

Explanation: The Paris Club consists of 22 permanent members, who are officials from major creditor countries working to address debtor countries' payment difficulties.

Return to Game

Which of the following is a European country that is a member of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC)?

Answer: Czech Republic

Explanation: The Czech Republic is listed among the 25 European countries that are members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC), a forum for major donor countries.

Return to Game

Which of the following is an Asian country that is a DAC member?

Answer: Singapore

Explanation: Singapore is one of the three Asian countries listed as a member of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC), alongside Japan and South Korea.

Return to Game

Which of the following countries is a permanent member of the Paris Club from the Americas?

Answer: Brazil

Explanation: Brazil is one of the three countries from the Americas that are permanent members of the Paris Club, an informal group of major creditor countries.

Return to Game

Country-Specific Development Status and Timelines

Croatia achieved 'advanced economy' status by the IMF in 2017.

Answer: False

Explanation: Croatia was recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2023, not 2017. It achieved 'high-income economy' status by the World Bank in 2017.

Return to Game

San Marino became a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 2012.

Answer: False

Explanation: San Marino became a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 2000. It was classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2012.

Return to Game

Andorra was recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: Andorra was recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2020, having been classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1990.

Return to Game

South Korea achieved 'very high human development' status (HDI) in 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: South Korea achieved 'very high human development' status (HDI) in 1999. It was classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 1997.

Return to Game

Taiwan's HDI is not included in the UN report because it is not a UN member state.

Answer: True

Explanation: Taiwan's HDI is listed as 'N/A' in the UN report because it is no longer a UN member state and is not included as part of the People's Republic of China by the UNDP.

Return to Game

Poland is considered an 'advanced economy' by the IMF.

Answer: False

Explanation: Poland is not yet considered an 'advanced economy' by the IMF, placing it in the 'in process' category, despite achieving 'very high human development' and 'high-income economy' status.

Return to Game

The United Arab Emirates was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 2004.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Arab Emirates was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1987. It achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status in 2004.

Return to Game

Russia is classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF.

Answer: False

Explanation: Russia is not listed as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF, placing it in the 'in process' category, despite achieving 'very high human development' and 'high-income economy' status.

Return to Game

Portugal became an 'advanced economy' according to the IMF in 1989.

Answer: True

Explanation: Portugal became an 'advanced economy' according to the IMF in 1989, and a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1994.

Return to Game

Greece achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status in 1996.

Answer: False

Explanation: Greece achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status in 2001. It was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1996.

Return to Game

Ireland has been recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF since 1945.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ireland has been recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF since 1945, demonstrating its long history as a developed nation.

Return to Game

Finland was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1994.

Answer: False

Explanation: Finland was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1987. It achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status in 1994.

Return to Game

The United States achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status before 1990.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United States achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status before 1990, alongside its classifications as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1987 and an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 1945.

Return to Game

Malaysia is classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF.

Answer: False

Explanation: Malaysia is not listed as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF; it falls into the 'Other recognitions' category, having achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) since 2016 but not meeting IMF or World Bank advanced/high-income classifications.

Return to Game

Guyana is listed as having 'very high human development' (HDI) in the comparative table.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the comparative table, Guyana is classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank since 2022, but it is not listed as having 'very high human development' (HDI).

Return to Game

When did Croatia achieve 'advanced economy' status by the IMF?

Answer: 2023

Explanation: Croatia was recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2023, following its achievement of 'very high human development' in 2007 and 'high-income economy' status in 2017.

Return to Game

Which year did San Marino become a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank?

Answer: 2000

Explanation: San Marino became a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 2000, demonstrating its long-standing economic prosperity.

Return to Game

When was Andorra recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF?

Answer: 2020

Explanation: Andorra was recognized as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF in 2020, building on its earlier classification as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1990.

Return to Game

Which of the following countries is listed as 'in process' of becoming developed, meaning it meets some but not all criteria?

Answer: Poland

Explanation: Poland is listed among countries 'in process' of becoming developed, as it has achieved 'very high human development' and 'high-income economy' status but is not yet classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF.

Return to Game

Which of the following countries has 'Other recognitions' for very high human development (HDI) but is not classified as advanced by the IMF or high-income by the World Bank?

Answer: Malaysia

Explanation: Malaysia is listed under 'Other recognitions,' having achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) since 2016, but it is not classified as an 'advanced economy' by the IMF or a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank.

Return to Game

When did South Korea achieve 'advanced economy' status by the IMF?

Answer: 1997

Explanation: South Korea achieved 'advanced economy' status by the IMF in 1997, marking a significant milestone in its rapid economic development.

Return to Game

Why is Taiwan's HDI listed as 'N/A' in the UN report?

Answer: Taiwan is no longer a UN member state and is not included as part of the People's Republic of China by the UNDP.

Explanation: Taiwan's HDI is listed as 'N/A' in the UN report because it is not a UN member state and is not included as part of the People's Republic of China by the UNDP for data calculation purposes.

Return to Game

When did Poland achieve 'very high human development' (HDI) status?

Answer: 2003

Explanation: Poland achieved 'very high human development' (HDI) status in 2003, though it is still considered 'in process' by the IMF for advanced economy status.

Return to Game

When did the United Arab Emirates become a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank?

Answer: 1987

Explanation: The United Arab Emirates was classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank in 1987, indicating an early achievement of economic prosperity.

Return to Game

What is the status of Russia in the comparative table regarding its IMF classification?

Answer: In process

Explanation: In the comparative table, Russia is listed as 'in process' regarding its IMF classification, meaning it has not yet achieved 'advanced economy' status despite high human development and high-income economy classifications.

Return to Game

When did Portugal become an 'advanced economy' according to the IMF?

Answer: 1989

Explanation: Portugal became an 'advanced economy' according to the IMF in 1989, marking a key point in its economic development trajectory.

Return to Game

When did Ireland achieve 'advanced economy' status by the IMF?

Answer: 1945

Explanation: Ireland achieved 'advanced economy' status by the IMF in 1945, indicating its long-standing position as a developed nation.

Return to Game

What is the status of Malaysia in the comparative table regarding its World Bank classification?

Answer: Other recognitions

Explanation: In the comparative table, Malaysia's World Bank classification is listed under 'Other recognitions,' as it has achieved 'very high human development' but is not classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank.

Return to Game

Which of the following countries is classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank since 2022 but is in the 'Other recognitions' category for HDI and IMF?

Answer: Guyana

Explanation: Guyana is classified as a 'high-income economy' by the World Bank since 2022, but it falls into the 'Other recognitions' category for HDI and IMF classifications, indicating a unique development profile.

Return to Game

Global Development Data Visualization

The world map showing IMF and UN classifications uses red to represent developed countries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The world map showing IMF and UN classifications uses blue to represent developed countries (IMF advanced economies), while red is used for least developed countries (UN).

Return to Game

What does the world map showing country classifications per the IMF and the UN (last updated April 2023) use blue to represent?

Answer: Developed countries (IMF advanced economies)

Explanation: The world map illustrating country classifications by the IMF and UN (April 2023) uses blue to represent developed countries, specifically those designated as 'IMF advanced economies'.

Return to Game

What does the image titled 'Countries described as Advanced Economies by the IMF' depict?

Answer: A world map highlighting countries that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) describes as 'Advanced Economies.'

Explanation: The image titled 'Countries described as Advanced Economies by the IMF' visually represents a world map specifically highlighting nations that the International Monetary Fund classifies as 'Advanced Economies'.

Return to Game