This is a list of first world countries. First world is a term that was developed in the 1950s when the cold war took place. The term was originally used to describe countries (capitalists) that were aligned with the United States and NATO. They were in opposition to the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, a major factor that led to the evolvement of the meaning of the term first world. It currently describes countries that are developed and industrialised.
Therefore, first world countries are countries characterised by political and economic stability, democracy, high literacy rate, high standard of living, the rule of law and other characteristics.
The most common metrics that are used to determine first world countries include;
1. Human Development Index
This describes the measures used to assess a particular country’s social and economic development. There are three elements or dimensions that institute the Human Development Index. This includes education dimension, standard of living, long and healthy life dimension.
2. Literacy Rate
This is basically the percentage of individuals who are proficient in writing and reading. In most cases, a country with a high percentage of literacy rate is considered to be first world.
3. Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is the average age from birth that a person is expected to live. This is dependent on the level of health care system of a particular country. First world countries are characterised by a high life expectancy.
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross Domestic Product is an illustration of the average economic output per person or individual. GDP indicates the economic well being and standards of living of an individual.
List of First World Countries
Based on the metrics discussed above, here is a list of first world countries.
1. Luxembourg
GDP per capita: $118,001.
2. The United States
GDP per capita: $63,416.
3. Japan
GDP per capita: $42,248.
4. Germany
GDP per capita: $54,076.
5. The United Kingdom
GDP per capita: $44,117.
6. France
GDP per capita: $46,062.
7. Italy
GDP per capita: $40,861.
8. Canada
GDP per capita: $48,720.
9. South Korea
GDP per capita: $44,621.
10. Australia
GDP per capita: $55,218.
11. Spain
GDP per capita: $39,121.
12. Netherlands
GDP per capita: $57,534.
13. Switzerland
GDP per capita: $72,874.
14. Turkey
GDP per capita: $30,253.
15. Sweden
GDP per capita: $54,146.
16. Norway
GDP per capita: $65,800.
17. New Zealand
GDP per capita: $42,018.
18. Iceland
GDP per capita: $55,596.
19. Israel
GDP per capita: $40,547.
20. Ireland
GDP per capita: $94,392.
21. Portugal
GDP per capita: $34,043.
22. Greece
GDP per capita: $28,748.
23. Denmark
GDP per capita: $58,932.
24. Belgium
GDP per capita: $51,096.
25. Austria
GDP per capita: $51,680.