Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are nations with the lowest socioeconomic development indicators recognized by the United Nations. These indicators include low income, weak human assets, and economic vulnerability. LDCs often receive preferential trade terms to support their economic growth.

The UN currently identifies 46 countries as LDCs, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, and Zambia.

LDCs are prioritized for special international support measures. These include preferential market access, technical assistance for capacity building, and exemptions from certain obligations under international agreements.