Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
rate between 0 percent and 1 percent. A 0 percent growth rate means the particular population is not growing,
and a 1 percent rate means the population will double in 70 years, based on the Rule of 70. A growth rate of
less than zero means the population is declining. The world has 25 countries with a negative growth rate.
Exactly what defines
developed
and
developing
countries depends greatly on the listing organization. No set
criteria exist for listing a country as developed or developing; they vary from one organization to the next. One
former UN Secretary General describes developed countries as nations that allow their citizens to enjoy a free
and healthy life in a safe environment. Other organizations focus on income levels, access to safe drinking wa-
ter, medical care, and jobs. The following list of developed countries is based on the United Nations list.
Middle East
1. Israel
2. Kuwait
3. Qatar
4. United Arab Emirates
Asia
5. Brunei
6. Hong Kong
7. Japan
8. Singapore
9. South Korea
Australia
10. Australia
Europe
