Top 46 Least-Developed Countries (LDC) in 2025: Key Facts and Economic Insights

What Defines Least-Developed Countries (LDCs)?

Least-Developed Countries, commonly known as LDCs, are nations characterized by low income and significant structural barriers that hinder sustainable development. As of 2024, the United Nations recognizes 46 countries under this classification, reflecting ongoing global economic disparities.

Essential Highlights

• LDCs are primarily low-income nations grappling with profound structural difficulties impeding sustainable growth.
• The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has established specialized criteria and support frameworks to assist LDCs in accessing international aid and trade benefits.
• As of mid-2024, the UN's official roster lists 46 countries designated as LDCs.

Deep Dive: Characteristics and Support for LDCs

LDCs face heightened vulnerability to economic downturns and environmental crises, compounded by limited human capital compared to more developed countries. Occasionally, some LDCs are also referred to as "emerging markets" due to their potential for growth despite existing challenges. These countries benefit from targeted international programs designed to foster development and facilitate trade advantages unavailable to more advanced economies.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), through its Committee for Development Policy (CDP), oversees the identification and monitoring of LDCs. This body evaluates countries based on income levels, human asset indices, and economic vulnerability to determine their status and progress towards graduation from the LDC category.

Criteria for LDC designation include:

• Income Threshold: A gross national income (GNI) per capita averaging $1,018 over three years, with a graduation benchmark set at $1,222 (20% higher).
• Human Assets: Assessed via five indicators focusing on health and education metrics.
• Economic Vulnerability: Measured by an index that gauges susceptibility to economic and environmental shocks, indicating significant structural development challenges.

Complete List of Least-Developed Countries in 2024

As of September 2020 and continuing into 2024, the United Nations identifies 46 countries as LDCs. This list reflects nations facing persistent development challenges but also benefiting from international support aimed at fostering sustainable progress.

Notably, in March 2018, the CDP recommended the graduation of Bhutan, Kiribati, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Solomon Islands by 2024 — marking an unprecedented number of graduations at one time. Historically, only five countries have successfully transitioned out of the LDC category: Botswana, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Maldives, and Samoa. Angola is also scheduled for graduation in 2024, signaling positive development trends.

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