Third World

The "Third World" describes the developing countries.

The three "worlds" in 1975

The term Third World was introduced during the Cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union. At that time, there were three "worlds". The term is now considered outdated, but until the late 20th century, it reflected economic and political divisions among nations.

•   First World: the United States, Western Europe and their allies.
•   Second World: the Soviet Union, China, and their allies.
•   Third World: neutral and non-aligned countries.