What’s the difference between first, second, and third countries?

Question

I’ve read about it but don’t really understand the concept.

In: Other

Answer 1

First world countries refer to countries that were aligned with the US and NATO during the cold war. Second world refers to countries aligned with the USSR and Warsaw Pact. Third world are countries that did not align with either. Third world is commonly used though to refer to poor countries with low standards of living. A more accurate term is developing nations.