Why are West African countries referred to as under-developed?

Answer Details

West African countries are described as under-developed because they show the typical features of poverty and low economic advancement:

• Low per-capita income: average income per person is low, so living standards are poor.
• Over-dependence on agriculture and primary products: economies rely heavily on the export of raw materials with little processing.
• Low level of savings and investment: because incomes are low, capital formation is small.
• Widespread illiteracy: low levels of education and skill limit productivity.
• Low level of technology: production relies on crude, out-of-date methods.
• High rate of population growth: rapid population increase outstrips output and strains resources.
• High unemployment and underemployment.
• Poor infrastructure: inadequate roads, power, water and communications.
• Dependence on foreign aid and external loans.