LEDC stands for "Less Economically Developed Country." It refers to countries with relatively poor economies, low incomes, limited access to nutrition, healthcare, and education, and unstable economies often reliant on primary industries like farming, mining, and fishing. These countries are contrasted with More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) which have more advanced economies and higher living standards. LEDCs are mostly found in Africa, Asia (except Japan), Latin America, and parts of the Pacific, and they often face challenges such as economic instability and vulnerability to natural disasters. The term emphasizes the developmental and economic challenges these nations face compared to wealthier countries.