Q+A: UN’s List of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Bhutan’s Graduation

March 16, 2023

Bhutan, a landlocked country in South Asia, is set to be removed from the LDC list on December 13, 2023, becoming the seventh country to graduate from the list. Bhutan’s graduation was announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, based on its sustainable development efforts, including poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and gender equality. This graduation is a significant milestone for Bhutan, as it represents the country’s progress in terms of economic and human development.

What is the LDCs List?

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) list was established in 1971 by the United Nations with the purpose of identifying and supporting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries. The list includes 46 countries that are categorized based on their income levels, human development indicators, and economic vulnerability. These countries face significant challenges in terms of economic development, including low levels of infrastructure, limited access to financial markets, and a high incidence of poverty.

What are the benefits of graduating from LDC List?

Bhutan’s graduation from the LDC list is expected to have several benefits for the country, including increased access to international financial markets, greater foreign direct investment, and improved trade opportunities. It is also expected to boost Bhutan’s international image and attract more tourists to the country, which is known for its natural beauty and unique culture. The graduation also highlights the importance of sustainable development and good governance in achieving economic growth and reducing poverty.

What are the challenges faced by LDCs?

While Bhutan’s graduation from the LDC list is a positive development, it also highlights the challenges faced by other countries on the list. The LDCs account for 13 percent of the global population, but they contribute to just 1.3 percent of the global GDP and less than 1 percent of the global trade and foreign direct investment. This indicates that the LDCs are facing significant economic and development challenges that need to be addressed.

Some of the countries on the LDC list, such as Burkina Faso, Senegal, Rwanda, Haiti, Nepal, and Solomon Islands, are among the poorest in the world, with high levels of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure. These countries also face challenges such as political instability, conflict, and climate change, which further exacerbate their economic and social challenges.

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