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Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are a specific category of developing nations identified by the United Nations as exhibiting the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, primarily to identify those most in need of international assistance.
Answer: True
The United Nations defines LDCs as developing nations with the lowest socioeconomic development indicators, specifically to direct international assistance to them.
A country is classified as an LDC based on four main criteria: poverty, human resource weakness, economic vulnerability, and political instability.
Answer: False
A country is classified as an LDC based on three main criteria: poverty (low income), human resource weakness, and economic vulnerability. Political instability is not one of the official criteria.
As of 2018, a country needed a GNI per capita less than US$1,025 to be included on the LDC list and over US$1,230 to graduate from it.
Answer: True
The poverty criterion for LDC classification, as of 2018, required a GNI per capita below US$1,025 for inclusion and above US$1,230 for graduation.
Human resource weakness for LDC classification is assessed using indicators such as nutrition, health, education, and adult literacy.
Answer: True
The human resource weakness criterion is indeed assessed using indicators that reflect a population's well-being and developmental capacity, including nutrition, health, education, and adult literacy.
Economic vulnerability is primarily determined by a country's reliance on a single export commodity and its overall GDP.
Answer: False
Economic vulnerability is determined by a broader set of factors, including instability of agricultural production and exports, economic importance of non-traditional activities, merchandise export concentration, economic smallness, and natural disaster displacement, not solely reliance on a single export commodity and overall GDP.
The term 'less economically developed country' (LEDC) is generally preferred over 'developing country' to avoid confusion with LDC.
Answer: False
To avoid confusion with specific UN classifications like LDC and LLDC, 'developing country' is generally preferred over 'less economically developed country' (LEDC).
According to the United Nations, what is the primary purpose of classifying countries as Least Developed Countries (LDCs)?
Answer: To identify countries most in need of international assistance due to low socioeconomic development.
The classification of LDCs by the United Nations is specifically designed to highlight nations with the lowest socioeconomic development indicators, thereby directing international assistance to where it is most critically needed.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main criteria used to classify a country as a Least Developed Country?
Answer: High population density
The three main criteria for LDC classification are poverty (low income), human resource weakness, and economic vulnerability. High population density is not an official criterion.
As of 2018, what was the GNI per capita threshold for a country to graduate from the LDC list?
Answer: Over US$1,230
As of 2018, a country needed a GNI per capita exceeding US$1,230 to be considered for graduation from the LDC list.
Which of these indicators is used to assess human resource weakness for LDC classification?
Answer: Adult literacy
Adult literacy is one of the key indicators used to assess human resource weakness, alongside nutrition, health, and education, for LDC classification.
Which of the following factors contributes to a country's economic vulnerability in the context of LDC classification?
Answer: The handicap of economic smallness
The inherent handicap of economic smallness is a recognized factor contributing to a country's economic vulnerability, alongside other indicators like instability of production and exports.
The concept of least developed countries originated in the early 1970s, with the first official list published in 1975.
Answer: False
The concept of LDCs originated in the late 1960s, and the first official list was published on November 18, 1971, not 1975.
The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) reviews LDC criteria every five years.
Answer: False
The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) reviews LDC criteria every three years, not five years.
The UN-OHRLLS provides advocacy services exclusively for Least Developed Countries.
Answer: False
The UN-OHRLLS provides advocacy services for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, not exclusively for LDCs.
The first two United Nations conferences on LDCs were held in Brussels, while the third took place in Paris.
Answer: False
The first two UN conferences on LDCs were held in Paris (1981, 1991), and the third was held in Brussels (2001).
The Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) in Istanbul strongly emphasized boosting productive capability and physical infrastructure.
Answer: True
LDC-IV in Istanbul indeed placed a strong emphasis on enhancing productive capability and developing physical infrastructure as key strategies for LDC advancement.
The Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-V) was held entirely in Doha in March 2023.
Answer: False
The Fifth UN Conference on LDCs (LDC-V) was conducted in two parts: the first at UN Headquarters in New York in March 2022, and the second in Doha in March 2023.
When was the first group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) officially listed by the United Nations?
Answer: November 18, 1971
The first official list of Least Developed Countries was established by the United Nations in its resolution 2768 (XXVI) on November 18, 1971.
Which UN body is responsible for reviewing the criteria for LDC classification?
Answer: The Committee for Development Policy (CDP)
The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the designated body responsible for reviewing the LDC criteria.
What is the primary role of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)?
Answer: To coordinate UN support and provide advocacy services for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
The UN-OHRLLS serves as a key coordinating and advocacy body within the UN system, specifically supporting Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.
Where were the first two United Nations conferences on LDCs held?
Answer: Paris
The first two United Nations conferences on Least Developed Countries were both held in Paris, in 1981 and 1991, respectively.
What was a key emphasis of the Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) held in Istanbul in 2011?
Answer: Boosting productive capability and physical infrastructure.
A central theme of LDC-IV in Istanbul was the critical importance of enhancing productive capabilities and developing robust physical infrastructure within LDCs to foster sustainable growth.
The Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-V) was conducted in two parts. Where was the second part held?
Answer: Doha
The second part of the Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-V) was held in Doha, Qatar, in March 2023.
As of December 2024, 44 countries were classified as Least Developed Countries, and eight countries had graduated from the category.
Answer: True
The data confirms that as of December 2024, 44 countries were LDCs and eight had graduated since the category's inception.
As of December 2020, 46 countries were classified as LDCs.
Answer: True
According to the provided data, 46 countries were classified as LDCs as of December 2020.
There are 32 countries classified as least developed countries in Africa.
Answer: True
Africa accounts for the largest number of LDCs, with 32 countries currently classified in this category.
Haiti is the only country in the Americas currently classified as a least developed country.
Answer: True
Haiti holds the distinction of being the sole country in the Americas currently classified as a Least Developed Country.
Afghanistan, Laos, and Nepal are the Asian LDCs that are also classified as Small Island Developing States.
Answer: False
Afghanistan, Laos, and Nepal are Asian LDCs that are also classified as landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). Timor-Leste is the only Asian LDC classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
As of December 2024, how many countries had successfully graduated from the LDC category?
Answer: Eight
As of December 2024, a total of eight countries had successfully graduated from the Least Developed Country category since its inception.
As of December 2020, how many countries were classified as LDCs?
Answer: 46
As of December 2020, the United Nations classified 46 countries as Least Developed Countries.
How many African countries are currently classified as LDCs?
Answer: 32
As per the classification, 32 countries in Africa are currently designated as Least Developed Countries.
Which country is the only one in the Americas currently classified as a least developed country?
Answer: Haiti
Haiti is the sole country in the Americas that currently holds the classification of a Least Developed Country.
Which of the following Asian LDCs are also classified as landlocked developing countries?
Answer: Afghanistan, Laos, Nepal
Afghanistan, Laos, and Nepal are the Asian Least Developed Countries that are also categorized as Landlocked Developing Countries.
Which of the following LDCs in Oceania are also classified as Small Island Developing States?
Answer: Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati
Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati are the LDCs located in Oceania that are also recognized as Small Island Developing States.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) does not recognize the UN's LDC list, preferring to use its own classification system for trade purposes.
Answer: False
The World Trade Organization (WTO) explicitly recognizes the UN's list of LDCs and aims to facilitate their participation in the multilateral trading system.
The Doha Round of WTO negotiations was specifically termed a 'development round' due to its focus on the needs of developing countries, including LDCs.
Answer: True
The Doha Round of WTO negotiations was indeed designated a 'development round' to highlight its commitment to addressing the specific needs and challenges of developing countries, including LDCs.
At the WTO's Hong Kong Ministerial, it was agreed that LDCs would receive 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to all global markets if the Doha Round was completed.
Answer: False
At the WTO's Hong Kong Ministerial, the agreement was for 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets for LDCs if the Doha Round was completed, not all global markets, and NGOs raised concerns about loopholes.
Chiedu Osakwe was appointed as the WTO Special Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries in 1999.
Answer: True
Chiedu Osakwe's appointment as the WTO Special Coordinator for LDCs in 1999 marked a significant step in addressing the trade-related needs of these countries.
The 'Market Access Initiative' was proposed by the U.S. President at the G8 summit to promote 'trade-not-aid' for LDCs.
Answer: False
The 'Market Access Initiative' was proposed by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien at the 28th G8 summit, not by the U.S. President.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 advocates for special treatment of LDCs in WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations.
Answer: True
SDG 14 specifically calls for effective special and differential treatment for LDCs within WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations, recognizing their unique vulnerabilities.
The 'Everything but Arms' scheme, implemented by the European Union, grants duty-free and quota-free access to all imports from LDCs, including arms and ammunition.
Answer: False
The 'Everything but Arms' scheme grants duty-free and quota-free access to all imports from LDCs except arms and ammunition.
Effective December 1, 2024, China eliminated tariffs for goods imported from all UN-categorized LDCs with which it has diplomatic relations.
Answer: True
China's policy change, effective December 1, 2024, provides zero-tariff treatment for goods from all UN-categorized LDCs with which it maintains diplomatic ties.
What was the specific term used for the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations due to its focus on the needs of developing countries?
Answer: The Development Round
The Doha Round of WTO negotiations was explicitly termed a 'development round' to underscore its primary objective of addressing the trade and development needs of developing countries, including LDCs.
At the WTO's Hong Kong Ministerial, what was agreed upon regarding market access for LDCs if the Doha Round was completed?
Answer: 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets.
The agreement at the WTO's Hong Kong Ministerial specified that LDCs would receive 100 percent duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. markets upon the completion of the Doha Round.
Who was appointed as the WTO Special Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries in 1999?
Answer: Chiedu Osakwe
Chiedu Osakwe was appointed as the WTO Special Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries in 1999, playing a crucial role in advocating for their trade interests.
Which Canadian Prime Minister proposed the 'Market Access Initiative' at the 28th G8 summit?
Answer: Jean Chrétien
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was the proponent of the 'Market Access Initiative' at the 28th G8 summit, advocating for enhanced trade opportunities for LDCs.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, focusing on life below water, advocates for what specific treatment of LDCs in WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations?
Answer: Effective special and differential treatment of LDCs.
SDG 14 specifically calls for effective special and differential treatment for LDCs in WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations, recognizing their unique developmental context and vulnerabilities.
Which entity implemented the 'Everything but Arms' scheme, granting duty-free and quota-free access to all imports from LDCs except arms and ammunition?
Answer: The European Union
The European Union implemented the 'Everything but Arms' scheme, providing comprehensive duty-free and quota-free market access for LDC imports, excluding only arms and ammunition.
Effective December 1, 2024, which country eliminated tariffs for goods imported from all UN-categorized LDCs with which it has diplomatic relations?
Answer: China
China, effective December 1, 2024, implemented a policy to eliminate tariffs on goods imported from all UN-categorized LDCs with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
For a country to graduate from LDC classification, its indicators must exceed the established criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews.
Answer: True
The formal process for LDC graduation requires a country's socioeconomic indicators to exceed the established thresholds in two successive triennial reviews by the CDP.
At the UN's fourth conference on LDCs in 2011, delegates endorsed a goal to promote at least half of the LDCs out of the category by 2022.
Answer: True
The Fourth UN Conference on LDCs in 2011 indeed set an ambitious target to facilitate the graduation of at least half of the then-current LDCs by 2022.
Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and Zimbabwe have all met LDC criteria at some point but declined inclusion, questioning the CDP's data.
Answer: True
Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and Zimbabwe are noted as countries that met LDC criteria but chose to decline inclusion, often citing concerns about the Committee for Development Policy's data.
Botswana was the first country to graduate from LDC status in December 1994.
Answer: True
Botswana achieved LDC graduation in December 1994, making it the first country to successfully transition out of the category.
Sikkim was delisted from the LDC group because it successfully met all graduation criteria in 1975.
Answer: False
Sikkim was delisted from the LDC group in 1975 because it became a state within the Republic of India, not due to meeting graduation criteria.
What is a key condition for a country to be removed, or 'graduate,' from the LDC classification?
Answer: Its indicators exceed the established criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews.
A country must demonstrate sustained progress by exceeding the established LDC criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews to be recommended for graduation.
What goal was endorsed at the UN's fourth conference on LDCs in May 2011 regarding LDC graduation?
Answer: To promote at least half of the then-current LDC countries out of the category within the next ten years, aiming for graduation by 2022.
The Fourth UN Conference on LDCs in 2011 established an ambitious target to facilitate the graduation of at least half of the LDCs from the category by 2022.
Which of the following countries met the criteria for LDC status but declined to be included in the index, questioning the validity of the Committee for Development Policy's data?
Answer: Ghana
Ghana is noted as a country that met LDC criteria but declined inclusion, citing concerns about the accuracy of the Committee for Development Policy's data.
Which country was the first to graduate from LDC status?
Answer: Botswana
Botswana holds the distinction of being the first country to successfully graduate from Least Developed Country status, achieving this in December 1994.
What was the unique circumstance surrounding Sikkim's delisting from the LDC group?
Answer: It became a state within the Republic of India.
Sikkim's delisting from the LDC group was a unique case, as it occurred because it became a state within the Republic of India in 1975, rather than through meeting graduation criteria.
As of 2018, only Bangladesh was expected to satisfy all LDC criteria for graduation by 2024.
Answer: False
As of 2018, both Bangladesh and Djibouti had satisfied all criteria and were among ten or more countries expected to graduate by 2024.
Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status was postponed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an expected official graduation in November 2026.
Answer: True
Bangladesh's LDC graduation was indeed postponed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the new target date set for November 2026.
Laos and Nepal are expected to graduate from LDC status in November 2026, alongside Bangladesh.
Answer: True
Laos and Nepal are both projected to graduate from LDC status in November 2026, aligning with Bangladesh's revised graduation timeline.
The Solomon Islands is expected to graduate from LDC status in December 2029.
Answer: False
The Solomon Islands is currently expected to graduate from LDC status in December 2027, not December 2029.
Cambodia's graduation from LDC status was postponed from 2027 to December 2029 to ensure a smooth transition.
Answer: True
Cambodia's LDC graduation was indeed postponed from its initial 2027 target to December 2029, a decision made to facilitate a more orderly and smooth transition.
Djibouti, Kiribati, and Tuvalu are three Small Island Developing States that could graduate from LDC status at the earliest in 2027.
Answer: True
Djibouti, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, all Small Island Developing States, are identified as countries that could potentially achieve LDC graduation as early as 2027.
Comoros and Myanmar have met the graduation criteria at least twice and could be recommended for graduation in 2027.
Answer: True
Comoros and Myanmar have consistently met the LDC graduation criteria in multiple reviews, positioning them for a potential recommendation for graduation in 2027.
Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania met the graduation criteria for the first time in 2024 and could be recommended for graduation in 2027.
Answer: True
Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, having met the LDC graduation criteria for the first time in 2024, are now on a trajectory that could lead to their recommendation for graduation in 2027.
Angola's expected graduation from LDC status was postponed indefinitely in December 2023 due to its dependence on commodities.
Answer: True
Angola's LDC graduation, initially anticipated earlier, was indefinitely postponed in December 2023, primarily due to persistent economic difficulties and its reliance on commodity exports.
Zambia and Timor-Leste previously met graduation criteria and are currently on track for imminent graduation.
Answer: False
Zambia and Timor-Leste previously met LDC graduation criteria but, as of recent assessments, no longer qualify for graduation.
Which two countries were among those expected to satisfy all LDC criteria for graduation by 2018?
Answer: Bangladesh and Djibouti
As of 2018, Bangladesh and Djibouti were specifically identified as countries that had already met all LDC criteria and were expected to graduate by 2024.
When is Bangladesh expected to officially graduate from LDC status?
Answer: November 2026
Bangladesh's official graduation from LDC status is currently projected for November 2026, following a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which two other Asian countries are expected to graduate alongside Bangladesh in November 2026?
Answer: Laos and Nepal
Laos and Nepal are also on track to graduate from LDC status in November 2026, coinciding with Bangladesh's expected graduation.
When is the Solomon Islands expected to graduate from LDC status?
Answer: December 2027
The Solomon Islands is currently projected to graduate from Least Developed Country status in December 2027.
Which three Small Island Developing States could graduate from LDC status at the earliest in 2027?
Answer: Djibouti, Kiribati, Tuvalu
Djibouti, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, all classified as Small Island Developing States, are identified as having the potential to graduate from LDC status as early as 2027.
Which two countries have met the graduation criteria at least twice and could be recommended for graduation in 2027?
Answer: Comoros and Myanmar
Comoros and Myanmar have consistently met the LDC graduation criteria in multiple reviews, positioning them for a potential recommendation for graduation in 2027.
What is the current status of Angola's expected graduation from LDC status?
Answer: Its graduation was further postponed in December 2023 without a specific new timeline.
Angola's LDC graduation has faced multiple postponements, with the latest decision in December 2023 deferring it indefinitely due to ongoing economic challenges and commodity dependence.