Page 5 of 7
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
The least developed countries are those recognised by the UN as low-income countries encountering long-term impediments to economic growth, particularly low levels of human resource development and severe structural weaknesses.
24th Oct 2017
Life Expectancy at Birth
The number of years a new born infant would live if the prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same at the time of its birth.
Life-long Learning
Denotes an overall scheme aimed at restructuring the existing educational system and at developing the entire educational potential outside the education system; in such a scheme men and women are the agents of their own education.
Literacy
The ability to read and write. Literacy Rate – the estimated number of literate adults expressed as a percentage of the total adult population (15 years and above).
Literacy gender parity index (LGPI)
The ratio of the female to male adult literacy rates measures progress towards gender equity in literacy and the level of learning opportunities available for women in relation to those available to men.
Literacy Initiative for Empowerment
The LIFE initiative is run by UNESCO, and promotes literacy around the world.
Malaria
Malaria is a tropical disease spread by mosquitoes that, while nonexistent in developed nations, kills over one million people a year in developing nations, and takes a huge toll on economic productivity.
Malnutrition
A condition resulting from inadequate consumption (undernutrition) or excessive consumption of a nutrient; can impair physical and mental health, and can contribute to or result from infectious diseases.
Maternal Mortality Rates
The annual number of deaths of women from pregnancy related causes per 100,000 live births.
Mean Years of Schooling
The average number of years of schooling received per person aged 25 and over.
Migrant Workers
Men, women and children who migrate within or across borders (often seasonally) for work, usually for a few months or years at a time.
Military Expenditure
All expenditure of the defense ministry and other ministries on recruiting and training of military personnel as well as construction and the purchase of military supplies and equipment. Military assistance is included in the expenditures of the donor country.
Millennium Development Goals
Set of eight human development goals set by the United Nations in 2000. The goals address several poverty issues, and are intended to be achieved by 2015.
Multilateral Aid
Aid from institutions with an international membership, such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, etc.
Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
Voluntary, charitable or community-based organisations formally outside the government system.
Official Development Assistance (ODA)
Aid provided by donor government (bi-lateral aid) and inter-governmental organisations (multi-lateral aid) to developing countries.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
An organisation that coordinates policy among developed countries. OECD member countries exchange economic data and create unified policies to maximize their countries’ economic growth and help non-member countries develop more rapidly.
Page 5 of 7