Development is the process of raising a country’s living standards, normally understood to mean economic growth or increase in people’s income, social progress or improvement in people’s quality of life and the environment and the introduction of modern technology. Professionals and other researchers have developed a wide range of definitions, emphases and strategies for what development is and for how it should be measured and achieved.
The development of a country is essential because it increases its international standing and enables it to become less dependent on foreign aid and financial bailouts. It also gives a country greater prestige in the global economy and makes it easier to attract international business investment.
Another reason for development is that it allows countries to better serve their citizens. Developing countries have lower poverty rates, and people in these countries are more likely to live in better quality housing and have access to more education and healthcare. They are also less likely to be unemployed or living in extreme poverty, which can lead to violence and crime.
A third reason for development is that it reduces inequality. Inequality is a major problem for many countries, it breeds resentment and can lead to conflict and armed violence. It is a key issue for development because it has been shown that more equal societies are more prosperous. Developing countries are able to reduce their inequality by fostering economic growth that is widely distributed. This is a goal of the United Nations development program and many other organizations.
