The term ‘first world’ originated at the height of the Cold War and it was used to describe those countries that aligned themselves with the United States and other Western nations in opposition to the former-Soviet Union. These countries, now commonly known as first world countries, are distinguished from the second and third worlds which generally comprise developing countries, which are all countries that are not considered to be first world.

First world countries are typically characterized by a high level of prosperity, democracy, and economic and political stability. These states are highly developed, with leading economies and some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure and technological innovations. First world countries have a high literacy rate, with the majority of citizens having access to quality education and literacy programs. They also have a free enterprise system and the rule of law is generally upheld with freedom of speech, assembly, and press.

Despite these benefits, there are still some drawbacks that come with being a first world country. Despite their relative wealth and stability, some of these countries may still have certain demographics that experience extreme poverty, which is more typically associated with developing countries. Additionally, some rural communities in first world countries may still experience a lack of access to healthcare, educational, and sanitation services, making it difficult for them to achieve the standard of living of those living in more affluent urban areas.

However, despite these drawbacks, the term ‘first world’ is still very relevant in the world today. Many economic analyses and international ratings often look to first world countries as a benchmark for measuring the success of other nations. Additionally, the process of becoming an industrialized nation has become more attainable with the emergence of good international relations and powerful multinational organizations, making it possible for many third world countries to make the leap into the first world.

The concept of dividing nations into three worlds is still used today but often comes with certain criticisms. It is sometimes argued that the idea of using this divide to categorize countries is outdated, as the lines between the first, second, and third world countries have often become significantly blurred. Nonetheless, the first world countries serve as an example to the rest of the world in terms of democratization, human rights, education, and economic development and will likely remain a major player in the international community until the global political atmosphere shifts dramatically.