Defining Third World Countries
The term "third world" originated during the Cold War and was used to refer to countries that were not aligned with either of the two superpowers, the United States or the Soviet Union. Over time, the term has come to be associated with poor and underdeveloped countries. However, there is no official definition of what constitutes a third world country, and the term is now considered outdated and politically incorrect. Instead, countries are generally classified based on their economic and human development indicators.
Kazakhstan: A Brief Overview
Kazakhstan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It was part of the Soviet Union until its independence in 1991. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by land area and has a population of over 18 million people. Its economy is largely dependent on its natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Kazakhstan is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Economic Indicators: GDP, GNI, and Income Distribution
Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $180.1 billion in 2019, making it the 53rd largest economy in the world. Its gross national income (GNI) per capita was $9,390 in 2019, which is considered an upper-middle-income level. However, income inequality is a significant issue in Kazakhstan, with the top 10% of the population accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s wealth.
Human Development Index: Education, Health, and Standard of Living
Kazakhstan has made significant progress in improving its human development indicators since independence. Its Human Development Index (HDI) score was 0.816 in 2019, which is considered very high. Kazakhstan has a relatively high literacy rate and has made significant investments in its education system. Health indicators have also improved, with life expectancy increasing from 63.7 years in 1990 to 72.4 years in 2018. However, income inequality and regional disparities remain a challenge for human development in Kazakhstan.
Classification of Countries: UN and World Bank Criteria
The United Nations and the World Bank classify countries based on their level of economic development. The UN uses a classification system based on a country’s GNI per capita, while the World Bank uses a broader set of indicators that includes income, education, and health. Both systems classify countries into four categories: high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income, and low-income.
Kazakhstan’s Classification: Third World or Not?
Based on its GNI per capita, Kazakhstan is classified as an upper-middle-income country by the UN. However, the World Bank classifies it as a lower-middle-income country based on its broader development indicators. Neither classification system uses the term "third world." In any case, Kazakhstan is not typically considered a poor or underdeveloped country.
Historical Factors: Soviet Union, Independence, and Economic Transition
Kazakhstan’s history as a Soviet republic has had a significant impact on its economic and social development. The Soviet Union invested heavily in industries such as mining and oil extraction, which remain important sectors of the Kazakh economy today. After independence, Kazakhstan began a process of economic transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy, which has been accompanied by both successes and challenges.
Political Factors: Democracy, Rule of Law, and Corruption
Kazakhstan is officially a democratic country, but its political system has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability. The ruling party has been in power since independence, and opposition parties face significant obstacles. Corruption is also a significant issue in Kazakhstan, with the country ranking 94th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Geopolitical Factors: Location, Resources, and Trade
Kazakhstan’s location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe has made it an important player in regional geopolitics. Its vast reserves of oil and gas have also made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. Kazakhstan is a member of several international organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Its trade relationships are primarily with Russia, China, and the European Union.
Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities
Kazakhstan faces a number of challenges as it seeks to continue its economic and social development. These include addressing income inequality and regional disparities, improving transparency and accountability in the political system, and diversifying the economy beyond its reliance on natural resources. However, Kazakhstan also has significant opportunities, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
Conclusion: The Complexities of Labeling Countries
While the term "third world" is no longer used to classify countries, the question of how to categorize countries based on their economic and social development remains complex. Kazakhstan is generally considered to be an upper-middle-income country, but its specific challenges and opportunities are shaped by a variety of historical, political, and geopolitical factors. As Kazakhstan continues to navigate these factors, its classification may evolve over time.
References and Further Reading
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2021). The world factbook: Kazakhstan. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kazakhstan/
- Human Development Reports. (2020). Kazakhstan. http://hdr.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/KAZ
- Transparency International. (2021). Corruption Perceptions Index 2020. https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2020/index/nzl
- United Nations. (2021). Country classification. https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/
- World Bank. (2021). Country and lending groups. https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
