1.
developing country; developing nation
A country that is still in the process of industrialization and economic growth. A shortened form of 発展途上国.
途上国への支援が必要だ。
Support for developing countries is needed.
多くの途上国では清潔な水が不足している。
Many developing countries lack access to clean water.
先進国と途上国の経済格差を縮めることが国際社会の課題だ。
Narrowing the economic gap between developed and developing countries is a challenge for the international community.
An abbreviation of 発展途上国 (developing country). The full form literally means "country on the path of development" — 途上 means "on the way" and 国 means "country."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 途上国への援助 (aid to developing countries)
- 途上国支援 (support for developing countries)
- 先進国と途上国 (developed and developing countries)
- 途上国の開発 (development of developing countries)
The shortened form 途上国 is more common in everyday news and conversation than the full form 発展途上国. The opposite is 先進国 (developed country).