Explanation: This assertion is false. There is no universally agreed-upon definition for a 'developing country,' and consequently, there is no clear consensus among organizations and scholars regarding which nations precisely fit this classification. Definitions and criteria often vary.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While terms like 'low- and middle-income country' (LMIC) and 'newly emerging economy' (NEE) are often used in discussions of development, they primarily emphasize *economic aspects* such as income levels and stages of economic growth. They do not necessarily encompass all facets of a country's development, such as social, political, or environmental factors.

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The World Bank classifies economies based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, not GDP per capita, and divides them into *four* main categories: high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income, and low-income countries. The classification system mentioned in the question is not aligned with the World Bank's methodology.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect based on the World Bank's 2022 fiscal year classification. A country with a GNI per capita of $5,000 would fall into the *upper-middle-income* category, as the threshold for low-income countries was less than $1,045, and for lower-middle-income countries was between $1,046 and $4,095.

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies countries based on three criteria: per capita income level, export diversification, and degree of integration into the global financial system. The IMF uses categories such as 'advanced economies,' 'emerging market economies,' and 'developing economies,' rather than a simple dichotomy.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Newly industrialized countries (NICs) are characterized as developing nations that have achieved substantial industrialization and economic growth, surpassing many other developing countries, but have not yet attained the status of fully developed countries. They represent an intermediate stage in the development spectrum.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. A transition economy is defined as one that is shifting *from* a centrally planned economic system *towards* a market-driven economy. It involves significant economic and institutional reforms, rather than incorporating central planning into an established market system.

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, countries can generally *self-declare* their status as 'developing.' This self-declaration can entitle them to preferential treatment, and there is no mandatory rigorous external assessment process for this classification.

Explanation: The consensus is that there is no clear consensus. The definition of a 'developing country' is not universally agreed upon, and different organizations and scholars employ varying criteria, leading to discrepancies in classifying specific nations.

Explanation: When terms like 'low- and middle-income country' (LMIC) are used, they primarily emphasize *economic aspects*, such as a country's income levels and its stage of economic growth. While related to overall development, these terms focus specifically on the economic dimension.

Explanation: According to the text, the World Bank's classification system primarily uses Gross National Income (GNI) per capita as the criterion for categorizing the world's economies into different income groups.

Explanation: Based on the World Bank's 2022 fiscal year classification, a country with a GNI per capita of $3,000 falls into the *lower-middle-income* group. This category is defined for GNI per capita between $1,046 and $4,095.

Explanation: In addition to per capita income level, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) uses *export diversification* and the *degree of integration into the global financial system* as key criteria for classifying economies. These factors help distinguish between different types of economies, such as advanced, emerging, and developing.

Explanation: Newly industrialized countries (NICs) are described as developing nations that have achieved significant industrialization and economic growth, surpassing many other developing countries, but have not yet attained the status of fully developed countries. They occupy an intermediate position on the development spectrum.

Explanation: According to the text, a 'transition economy' is defined as an economy that is undergoing a shift from a centrally planned system towards a market-driven system. This transformation typically necessitates substantial economic and institutional reforms.

Explanation: Within the World Trade Organization (WTO), countries can generally be recognized as 'developing' through a process of *self-declaration*. This status can entitle them to preferential treatment, and it does not typically require a rigorous external assessment.

Explanation: A criticism arises when countries maintain 'developing' status within the WTO, potentially allowing them to receive preferential treatment, even after achieving metrics associated with developed economies. This practice is seen by some as potentially exploiting the system.

Explanation: The three criteria the IMF uses for classifying economies are per capita income level, export diversification, and degree of integration into the global financial system. The level of technological advancement is not explicitly listed as one of these three primary criteria.

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Developing countries are generally characterized by a less-developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index (HDI) when contrasted with developed nations. The HDI itself is a composite statistic used to rank countries by their level of human development.

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Developing countries typically face challenges with widespread access to safe drinking water, advanced sanitation systems, and robust energy infrastructure. These are often areas where they contrast sharply with developed nations, exhibiting lower levels of access and availability.

Explanation: This statement is false. Developing countries generally provide *less* access to healthcare services compared to developed nations, which typically results in lower life expectancies. This disparity is often linked to factors such as lower income levels, poorer public health systems, and a higher burden of infectious diseases.

Explanation: This statement is false. While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is one indicator, development is measured using a range of statistical indices. These include income per capita, life expectancy, literacy rates, and various freedom indices, providing a more comprehensive view of a nation's progress.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic that combines measures of *income, life expectancy, and literacy*. It is designed to provide a broader perspective on development than income alone.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Economic development is typically associated with a shift *away* from a strong primary sector towards a stronger secondary sector (manufacturing) and a growing tertiary sector (services). This transition reflects industrialization and modernization.

Explanation: This statement is false. Many developing countries gained independence and established democratic governments later in the 20th century, often after decolonization. However, they experienced varying degrees of success in achieving consistent political liberty, frequently facing challenges such as flawed democracies, oligarchic control, and political instability.

Explanation: This statement is generally inaccurate. While foreign investment can contribute to development, historical reliance on it after independence in many developing countries often led to systemic exploitation, where raw materials were exported cheaply and Western companies utilized cheaper labor, resulting in continued underdevelopment rather than balanced industrial growth or equitable resource distribution.

Explanation: The primary indicators used to define a developing country in contrast to a developed country are a less-developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI is a composite statistic that measures achievements in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

Explanation: A common characteristic associated with developing countries, as indicated in the text, is lower access to essential services such as safe drinking water and adequate sanitation systems. This contrasts with the generally higher levels of access found in developed nations.

Explanation: Widespread poverty and high unemployment rates are frequently observed socio-economic challenges in developing countries. These issues are often interconnected with other factors such as low education levels, economic inequality, and inadequate social services.

Explanation: Access to healthcare in developing countries is typically lower than in developed nations. A significant consequence of this disparity is a generally lower life expectancy in developing countries, often exacerbated by higher rates of infectious diseases and poorer public health infrastructure.

Explanation: Life expectancy is listed as one of the statistical indices used to measure a country's development. Other common indicators include income per capita, GDP per capita, and literacy rates.

Explanation: The Human Development Index (HDI) is created by combining statistics on three key dimensions: income (typically measured by Gross National Income per capita), life expectancy (representing health), and literacy (representing education).

Explanation: This statement is false. While Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are recognized sub-groupings, the text also identifies Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as another significant category of developing countries facing unique challenges.

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are typically characterized by small populations, limited resources, remoteness, and a high degree of susceptibility to natural disasters and external economic shocks, making them particularly vulnerable, not resilient.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are defined by their *lack* of direct access to the sea. This geographical constraint typically results in significant economic and logistical disadvantages, including higher transportation costs and reliance on transit through neighboring countries, which can hinder trade and economic growth.

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative is designed to provide *debt relief* to countries experiencing severe debt burdens, not to offer new loans to those with rapid growth and low debt. Its primary aim is to alleviate poverty by reducing unsustainable external debt.

Explanation: The text mentions Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as sub-groupings of developing countries. 'Highly Industrialized Developing Nations (HIDNs)' is not mentioned as a recognized sub-grouping in the provided material.

Explanation: A key challenge faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as mentioned in the text, is their remoteness and high susceptibility to natural disasters. These factors, combined with limited resources and vulnerability to external shocks, pose significant sustainable development challenges.

Explanation: The primary geographical characteristic defining Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) is their lack of direct access to the sea. This geographical constraint typically leads to increased transportation costs and logistical challenges, impacting their international trade and economic development.

Explanation: The 'Heavily Indebted Poor Countries' (HIPC) initiative primarily addresses the issue of unsustainable external debt by offering special debt relief programs. It is designed for countries that face severe debt burdens, aiming to alleviate poverty by reducing these obligations.

Explanation: The UN's criteria for identifying a 'least developed country' (LDC) include high levels of poverty (measured by GNI per capita), human resource weakness (indicators of health, education, literacy), and economic vulnerability. High levels of foreign direct investment are not among these criteria; in fact, LDCs typically have low levels of such investment.

Explanation: According to the text, in 2012, 62% of the urban population in Sub-Saharan Africa lived in slums. This figure represents the highest proportion among developing regions mentioned, highlighting significant challenges related to urbanization and housing.

Explanation: Abuse related to bride price is mentioned as a form of violence against women that is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Other forms of violence, such as honor killing and marriage by abduction, are noted as prevalent in different regions.

Explanation: Somalia is mentioned as the country with the highest rate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among women, with approximately 98% of women affected. Other countries with very high rates include Guinea, Djibouti, Egypt, and Eritrea.

Explanation: Unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation are listed as significant environmentally-related causes of illness in developing countries. These factors contribute to the prevalence of infectious diseases and other health problems.

Explanation: In 2016, India was mentioned as the country with the largest number of people practicing open defecation, accounting for approximately 348 million individuals. This highlights a significant public health and sanitation challenge.

Explanation: Serious health risks from indoor air pollution due to domestic cooking in developing countries primarily affect *poor women and children*. This is often due to the use of biomass fuels in poorly ventilated indoor environments for cooking.

Explanation: In 2012, an estimated 4.3 million deaths globally were attributed to indoor air pollution. The majority of these deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries, underscoring a critical public health issue.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The term 'Global South' is primarily used as a geopolitical and economic descriptor, often referring to regions with shared histories of colonialism and neo-imperialism that have led to significant inequalities in living standards and resource access. It is not merely a geographical classification based solely on location south of the equator.

Explanation: This statement accurately reflects a significant critique of the term 'developing country.' Critics contend that the label implies a hierarchy, suggesting the superiority of 'developed' nations, and assumes that all countries aspire to follow a Western model of development, which may not be universally desired or appropriate.

Explanation: This statement is the opposite of what dependency theory suggests. Dependency theory posits that resources flow primarily *from* less developed, peripheral states *to* more developed, core states, thereby enriching the core at the expense of the periphery. It argues that underdevelopment is a consequence of integration into the global capitalist system.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Postdevelopment theory critiques the entire concept and practice of international development, arguing that it often reflects Western and Northern hegemony and imposes Western models and values on diverse societies. It does not advocate for the adoption of Western models.

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Critics argue that the term 'developing' is problematic because it implies a universally positive and linear progression, which does not accurately reflect the diverse realities and varied progress of nations. It can also imply a fixed endpoint, often based on Western standards, rather than acknowledging different paths of development.

Explanation: When the term 'Global South' is used as an alternative for developing countries, it often highlights shared historical experiences, particularly those related to colonialism and neo-imperialism, which have contributed to significant global inequalities in living standards and resource access.

Explanation: A primary criticism leveled against the term 'developing country' is that it implies a hierarchy, suggesting the superiority of developed nations, and assumes that all countries aspire to follow a Western model of development, which may not be universally applicable or desired.

Explanation: According to Dependency Theory, the relationship between developed ('core') and developing ('peripheral') states is characterized by a flow of resources primarily *from* the peripheral states *to* the core states. This dynamic is seen as enriching the core while contributing to the underdevelopment of the periphery.

Explanation: The central critique of international development offered by Postdevelopment theory is that it functions as a mechanism of Western and Northern dominance over other regions. It argues that the discourse and practice of development often impose Western values and models, thereby marginalizing alternative perspectives and local contexts.

Explanation: A criticism regarding the 'binary nature' of the term 'developing country' is that it oversimplifies complex global realities. It fails to capture the diverse circumstances, varied progress, and unique development paths of the many nations it categorizes, imposing a rigid dichotomy where a spectrum might be more appropriate.

Explanation: Dependency Theory is listed as a key theoretical framework used to understand the concept of developing nations. Other significant frameworks mentioned include Modernization theory, Development theory, and Postdevelopment theory, each offering distinct perspectives on global economic and social structures.

Explanation: A criticism of the term 'developing country' is that it implies a static current situation rather than acknowledging a dynamic or expected direction of progress. This framing can overlook the varied trajectories and ongoing transformations within these nations.

Explanation: This statement is accurate. In 2015, the World Bank declared the 'developing/developed world categorization' less relevant, citing significant global improvements in key development indicators such as child mortality and poverty reduction. The bank shifted towards using data aggregations for regions and income groups instead.

Explanation: This prediction is incorrect. Developing countries are generally expected to be *more* severely affected by climate change due to their higher climate vulnerability and lower climate resilience, despite often contributing less to greenhouse gas emissions. This disparity raises significant issues of climate justice.

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. Development aid, also known as development cooperation, is primarily financial assistance provided *by* developed countries and international agencies *to* developing countries. Its purpose is to support the economic, environmental, social, and political development of these nations.

Explanation: This statement is false. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established *before* the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and primarily focused on addressing global poverty and improving human well-being. The SDGs, adopted later, expanded upon these goals and included a stronger emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Explanation: The World Bank considered the 'developing/developed world categorization' less relevant starting in 2015 because of significant worldwide improvements in key development indicators, such as child mortality rates and extreme poverty reduction. This led the bank to favor regional and income-group data aggregations.

Explanation: Developing countries are expected to be more severely affected by climate change primarily because they possess higher climate vulnerability and lower climate resilience. This means they are less equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, water scarcity, and reduced agricultural productivity, often due to limited resources for adaptation.

Explanation: The primary purpose of development aid, as described, is to provide financial assistance from developed countries and international agencies to developing countries. This aid aims to support their economic, environmental, social, and political development, thereby helping to improve standards of living and infrastructure.

Explanation: Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for 'Clean Water and Sanitation for All,' is mentioned as being particularly relevant for addressing critical challenges faced by developing countries, where access to these basic services is often limited.

Explanation: The primary focus of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), established by the UN for the year 2015, was to address pressing global issues such as extreme poverty, hunger, disease, and lack of access to education and basic services, thereby aiming to improve human well-being worldwide.

Explanation: According to the text, Western media coverage tends to portray developing countries by disproportionately focusing on poverty and negative imagery. This selective focus often creates stereotypes, characterizing the 'Global South' as socioeconomically and politically backward when measured against Western standards.

Explanation: An imbalance in information flow is mentioned, where mass media in developing countries tend to cover developed countries more extensively. This results in people in developing nations receiving more news about developed countries than about other developing nations, creating a skewed perception of global affairs.

Explanation: Climate change is expected to influence migration patterns in developing countries by *exacerbating existing patterns*. Factors such as water scarcity, reduced crop productivity, and rising sea levels will likely force movement from less viable areas, rather than generating entirely new migration flows.

Explanation: Financial Policy Uncertainty (FPU) refers to periods of economic instability. In developing economies, FPU can lead businesses to compromise environmental standards to reduce costs, thereby increasing pollution. Governmental enforcement of regulations may also diminish during such times, impeding environmental progress.

Explanation: According to the text, Western media coverage of developing countries tends to create a stereotype of socioeconomic and political backwardness. This portrayal often focuses on negative imagery and poverty, presenting a generalized and often inaccurate picture of these nations.