*3 Least among Less Developed Countries ( LLDCs )

LLDC refers to the least developed group of developing countries and is defined by the United Nations Development Program Committee on the following basis: per capita GDP (below $899 as of 1999), human resources development (average life expectancy, etc.), and vulnerability of economic structure (share of manufacturing in GDP, etc.). Currently, 48 countries are recognized as LLDCs (33 countries in Africa, eight in Asia, five in the Pacific, and two elsewhere).