A country with lower
GDP relative to other countries. Less developed countries are characterized by little industry and sometimes a comparatively high dependence on foreign aid. Less developed countries often undertake programs of development, with greater or lesser interventions on the part of the national governments. They are major
borrowers from organizations such as the
World Bank. While no strict definition of which countries are less developed exists, most countries that do not belong to the
OECD are considered less developed. See also: International development.