When people talk about the ‘third world’ they are referring to poor countries with large amounts of people living in extreme poverty. In fact, the term ‘third world’ was originally used to describe countries that were not aligned to either the US or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, since the 1990s, people have been using the phrase ‘third world’ to mean the poorest countries in the world.
So, if someone can describe a country as ‘third world’ because of its level of wealth, and no longer it’s global political alignment, would it be correct to call Japan a third world country? No, it wouldn’t, and let us explain why…
1. Japanese People Are Wealthy By Global Standards
A first reason why Japan is not a third world country is because Japanese people are wealthy.
Third world countries are poor. Many of the people who live in third world countries survive on low incomes and struggle to meet their basic needs. The governments of third world countries are unable to raise the revenue needed to provide services to their populations. Millions of people living in third world countries are in destitution.
Japan is not a third world country because it is a rich nation. With a per capita income of 43,760 USD, Japanese people are the 34th wealthiest in the world. By global standards, Japanese people are well-off.
Although there are people in Japan who live on low incomes and in poverty, their living standards are still generally above those in destitution in third world countries. The Japanese state has the funds to provide social services to poorer people. Japanese people, even on low wages, are still able to access education and healthcare, and usually receive some financial support. Japan does not have the levels of extreme poverty found in the third world.
Third world countries are plagued with extreme poverty and destitution. Japan is a rich country with a high standard of living. This is a major reason why it is not a third world country.
2. Japan Has A Highly Developed Economy
A second reason why Japan is not a third world nation is because the country has a developed economy.
A key factor that determines a third world country is the lack of advancements within their economies. Third world countries lack the technology, industries, businesses, and financial and material resources to create sustained economic outputs. This means their economies lack good jobs and high salaries – a major factor making their populations poor.
Japan is the third largest economy in the world. With a GDP of over five trillion dollars, Japan is a major global economy. This is an important reason why it is not a third world country.
The Japanese economy is highly diverse. Economic sectors including electronics, automobiles, manufacturing, computer sciences, tourism, and food and agriculture make up major parts of the Japanese economy. Japanese people generally work good jobs with high salaries – by global standards. This is very different to third world countries where that often rely heavily on agriculture and resource extraction as their main economic sectors.
The fact that Japan has a developed economy is a major reason why it is not a third world country.
3. The Country Has High-Quality Infrastructure
A third reason why Japan is not a third world country is because of its high-quality infrastructure.
Third world countries have poor infrastructure. Roads, railways, airports, tele-communications, and utilities are generally in bad condition in third world countries – they need updating and modernising in places they do exist. The lack of good infrastructure in third world countries makes moving people, goods, and information around the country, and internationally, difficult. This is a major factor that makes third world countries poor.
Japan has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The countries major cities, and even small towns and villages, are all connected by good quality roads. Japan has an extensive train network, including the world-famous bullet-trains, that also link towns and cities. Japan has 5 international airports and 24 domestic airports. The country has a world-class tele-communications and internet network. All of Japan is connected to utilities such as water, electric and gas.
The quality of the infrastructure in Japan is a major reason why it is not a third world country.
4. Japanese People Can Access Good Healthcare
Another reason why Japan is not in the third world is because Japanese people can access quality healthcare when they need it.
Countries in the third world are unable to provide quality healthcare to their populations. Their governments lack the revenue to fund a healthcare system that can meet the needs of their populations. Many people in third world countries either have to pay for their own healthcare or go without. In remote areas, and in marginalized communities, people in third world countries often cannot access medical assistance when they need it.
Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The Japanese healthcare system is ranked 31st globally. This is a major reason why Japan is not a third world country.
Japan has a state funded healthcare and social security system that means everyone in the country can access the medical assistance they need. Across the country, Japanese people can receive quality healthcare, even in remote areas of the country. This is very different to third world countries.
In Japan, the child mortality rate is 2.5 deaths for every 1000 births. This is a significantly lower than in third world countries, where the average is around 37 deaths in 1000 births. The life expectancy in Japan is over 84 years. This is also much higher than in third world countries, where it is below 65. Both of these facts are testaments to the quality of the Japanese healthcare system, and further demonstrate why Japan is not a third world country.
5. Children In Japan Receive World Class Education
A further reason why Japan is not a third world country is because of its world-class education system.
Third world countries are poor. As a result, like with healthcare, they lack the resources to provide a good standard of education to their young people. In third world countries, many parents must pay for their child’s schooling out-of-pocket. Many cannot afford to. In rural and remote areas, in third world countries, there may not be schools. Children who do attend school in third world countries often receive a poor-quality education.
Japan has one of the best education systems in the world. It is ranked 7th globally. All children in Japan go to school from ages 6 to 18. School in Japan is free, and parents do not have to pay to ensure their children receive an education. This is a major reason why Japan is not a third world country.
As well as having a high-quality elementary and secondary education systems, young people in Japan can attend some of the best universities in the world. Institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University are ranked among the top higher education institutions globally. 52% of Japanese people have a degree. This is very different to third world countries, where few people can attend university.
The fact that Japanese children can attend quality schools, combined with the high standard of the country’s universities, shows that Japan is not in the third world.
6. The Country Is A Democracy
An important reason why Japan is not a third world country is because it has a democratic political system.
Third world countries are almost universally undemocratic. The third world countries that do have democratic political systems are often flawed. Countries in the third world often experience coups, seizures of power and electoral irregularities. The majority of third world countries are dictatorships. Political institutions in third world countries lack transparency, and political leaders are often unaccountable to the people.
Japan has been a democracy following World War Two. The country sees regular elections and governments change as the people vote in different parties. Japan has not seen a coup in its post-war history. Pollical leaders in Japan work for their people and can be held to account. There are mechanisms within the Japanese political system to ensure transparency and fairness.
The strength of Japan’s democracy is a major factor in why it is not a third world country.
7. Japan Is A Stable Country
A final reason why Japan is not in the third world is because it is a stable country.
Countries in the third world are plagued by instability. They often see economic and political crises. Third world counties generally lack the resources and political resilience to withstand these shocks. Countries in the third world also often experience humanitarian crises and conflicts. Many third world countries must call for international assistance in order to help people affected by disasters.
Japan is a highly stable country. There is no risk of Japan falling into civil conflict. The country is able to withstand political and economic crises. Although Japan is prone to natural disasters, such as tsunamis and earthquakes, the country has some of the world’s best mechanisms in place to respond to these. Rarely does Japan have to call on international assistance to help people affected by crises.
The fact that Japan is a highly stable country is a key reason why it is not a third world nation.