answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The first world, also referred to as the free world, refers to democratic and economically developed countries. It's also frequently known as the West, though it also includes other countries like Australia.

The second world referred to Communist countries. The third world, also known as the developing world, refers to countries which have far less stable and developed political and economic systems. After the end of the Cold War the terms first and second world generally fell out of use, and the term "developing countries" is now used more frequently than the "third world," which is sometimes seen as an offensive term.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the meaning of first second and third world?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about World History

Is Great Britain first second or third world country?

It's a first world country


Who first used the term Third World?

I came to know from a School syllabus book that the term "Third World" first used by ---Franis Frenol..


What is the origin and meaning of 'the Third World'?

The term "Third World" originated during the Cold War, when several countries (primarily the US and the Soviet Union) were in constant political/economic conflict and competed fiercely with each other. The US and its allies, who were democratic and capitalistic countries, were called the "First World," while the Soviet Union and its affiliated countries were communist and were referred to as the "Second World." "Third World" was then used to describe all the other neutral or non-aligned (as in, not capitalist or communist) countries. However, in modern times, it is often used to refer to poor or socioeconomically less advanced countries. This is because the US and the Soviet Union competed intensely and made incredible advances in technology/education/etc. during the Cold War, leaving the Third World less advanced relative to them. Additionally, many Third World countries were former colonies, and were left to build their own nations/governments when imperialism ended, presenting a disadvantage in trying to develop as quickly as the First and Second Worlds.


What is the most popular boy first name in the world?

The most popular boys name for 2012 is Mason, followed by Liam in second and Ethan in third. Hope this helps!


Is Syria a first world country?

no its second

Related questions

Why is it called the third world what are the first and second worlds?

The "first world" was the "old world," or basically Europe, before the discovery of the Americas. The "second world" was the Americas, discovered by Columbus. The phrase "third world" originally meant the rest of the world not included in the "first" or "second" worlds. Its meaning has changed over time so that now it means the poverty-stricken portions of the world.


Is Romania a first world second world or third world country?

Romania is now considered a second world country; but officially and correct definitions for first, second or third world don't exist.


Is Russia a first second or a third world country?

second


Is Venezuela a first second or third world country?

Third world country, on it's way to become a second with (socialism).


Is Great Britain first second or third world country?

It's a first world country


Is Canada the first second or third largest country in the world?

Canada is second country in the world, in terms of size


Who is first second and third in world currency ranking?

pound


When you use the expression Third World what are the First and Second Worlds supposed to be?

When the terms were coined, First World referred to NATO nations, Second World referred to Bloc nations, and Third World referred to nonaligned nations.


Which is the second best army in the world?

China, US, Russia are disputed as first second or third


In men soccer what country has the most cups who is first second and third?

The top countries in the world of football are Brazil, Italy and Germany. In the first, second and third order.


Is Canada the first secand or third largest country in the world?

Canada is the second largest country in the world.


Is Kenya first second or third world country?

There are no official definitions for first, second, or third world countries. The terms originated during the Cold War, but today, "third world" is often used to describe undedeveloped or developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, of which Kenya is one, so it most closely fits the connotation of a "third world country."