Table 4.

Differences in status in selected areas between high-income and low- and middle-income countries

Status	High-income countries	Low- and middle-income countries
Economic	Generally, have high-income economies with well-established industries, advanced technology, and diverse service sectors. Examples include the United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia.	Tend to have lower-income economies, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and resource extraction. They may have emerging industries and face challenges related to economic development. Examples include India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
Infrastructure	Typically, have advanced and well-maintained infrastructure, including modern transportation systems, reliable energy networks, and widespread access to technology.	Often face challenges in infrastructure development, with issues such as inadequate transportation, limited access to electricity, and less widespread technology adoption.
Education and healthcare	Generally, have well-established and accessible education and healthcare systems. There is often a higher literacy rate, and life expectancy tends to be longer.	May face challenges in providing universal access to quality education and healthcare. Issues such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and health disparities can be more pronounced.
Political stability	Tend to have stable political systems with established democratic institutions, the rule of law, and low levels of political violence.	Political stability can vary widely, and some nations may experience political instability, governance challenges, and conflicts.
Technology and innovation	Are often at the forefront of technological innovation, with advanced research and development capabilities and a high level of technology adoption.	May face challenges in adopting and developing advanced technologies, although there can be pockets of innovation and efforts to bridge the technological gap.
Income inequality	Often have social safety nets and policies aimed at addressing disparities, despite the existence of income inequality.	Income inequality can be more pronounced, with limited resources and challenges in implementing effective social welfare programs.
Access to basic services	Generally, provide widespread access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.	May face challenges in ensuring universal access to these basic services, contributing to issues related to public health and quality of life.