what is ldc

Least developed countries (LDCs) are low-income countries that face significant structural challenges to sustainable development. They exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development and are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks. The concept of LDCs originated in the late 1960s, and the United Nations (UN) maintains a list of these countries, which is reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). As of December 2020, there were 46 countries classified as LDCs, and the criteria for this classification include low levels of income and severe structural impediments to sustainable development. LDCs have exclusive access to certain international support measures, particularly in the areas of development assistance and trade. The UN conferences on LDCs are held every ten years to address the specific challenges faced by these countries.