Countries with the highest level of development fall in the category of More Developed Countries. These countries have the highest level of economic development and industrialization.

Do you believe that the people who live in more developed countries enjoy a high or low standard of living? If you said a high standard of living, you are correct. Click on the factors below that are used to determine a high standard of living:

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GDP

More developed countries have a higher GDP because of the stronger economies. People are able to make higher annual wages than those in countries of less developed or newly industrialized countries. Close Pop Up
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Literacy Rate

Most of the more developed countries have some of the highest literacy rates in the world (the United States is not included in some reports). In more developed countries there are more productive educational systems. Close Pop Up
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Infant Mortality

Infant mortality is low in more developed countries because the strong infrastructure allows for a good medical system. Close Pop Up
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Life Expectancy

Because of the high level of technology, medical care and better diets, life expectancy is higher in more developed countries. Close Pop Up

Video segment. Assistance may be required. Watch the next two videos about e-waste (electronic waste) in both a more developed (South Africa) and a less developed country (Ghana). Take notes of your observations in your notes. When you are finished watching the videos, complete the activity that follows.

Source: South Africa: Recycling for Cash, Unitednations, YouTube

Source: Ghana: Digital Graveyard, Unitednations, You Tube

After watching the two videos, reflect what you have learned about e-waste in less developed and more developed countries.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required.Read the statement below and determine if it describes a less developed country, a more developed country, or both. Move the statement to the correct location on the Venn diagram.

Answer the following questions in your notes:

  1. Reflecting on what you observed in both videos, why do you think that e-waste impacts the two countries so differently?
  2. Based on what you have learned, does e-waste impact literacy rates in less developed countries? In more developed countries? Explain your answers.