What does First World, Second World and Third World countries mean?

3,855 Views Updated: 07 Dec 2016
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We always heard about First world countries, Second World countries and Third World countries. But what is the meaning of such terms and how has the world classified the countries in to these categories.

The following will clear your doubts about the above mentioned terms.

First world Countries

The division into first, second and third came during the cold war era, when the world was divided into two blocs – the American bloc and Soviet bloc. Countries, which supported capitalistic ideals and chose to ally with United States of America, where termed as First World countries. But with dissolution of the Soviet Union and falling of Berlin wall, the above reason lost its significance. At present countries which are rich and prosperous; believes in democracy; has good social conditions and stable economic conditions; comes within the ambit of First World countries. These countries are also called developed countries. For eg:- U.S.A., U.K., Germany, France etc.

Second World Countries

Likewise, countries which had socialist ideals and chose to ally with Soviet Union during the cold war era were Second world countries. At present, Russia, Countries which came out of the former U.S.S.R. and China comprises Second world countries. Comparing to first world countries, the social, political and economic conditions are not favourable yet they are rich countries and more or less has stable conditions. These countries also favour autocracies.

Third World Countries

When the world got divided in two blocs, there were some countries that chose to remain neutral. These countries formed a movement called Non Aligned Movement. This movement was spearheaded by India, Indonesia, Egypt, Ghana and Yugoslavia. At present, developing countries are third world countries. Countries that have low Gross Domestic Product; that has unstable political and social conditions; huge population; high toll on death and diseases; and countries that heavily depend on foreign funds comes under third world countries. India comes under Third world countries.