On 13th December 2018 the United Nations General Assembly took note of the recommendation by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) to graduate Bhutan, São Tomé and Príncipe and Solomon Islands from the list of least developed countries (LDCs). While Bhutan’s graduation will become effective in 2023, São Tomé and Príncipe and Solomon Islands will officially leave the category in 2024.
Never before have so many countries been recommended for graduation at one time, making 2018 a historical year. With Angola and Vanuatu already scheduled to graduate in 2021 and 2020, respectively, this brings the number of countries on a confirmed path out of LDC status in the coming years to five. The magnitude of this number becomes evident in view of the fact that only five countries (Botswana, Cabo Verde, Maldives, Samoa, Equatorial Guinea) have left the category since its creation in 1971.
The LDC category is assessed by the CDP using three criteria: human assets, economic vulnerability and gross national income per capita. Countries must meet two of the three criteria at two consecutive triennial reviews of the CDP to be considered for graduation. The CDP refers its recommendations for endorsement by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Afterwards the UN General Assembly takes note of the endorsement.
Bhutan, São Tomé and Príncipe and Solomon Islands each where recommended for graduation based on meeting the gross national income per capita and human assets criteria. Neither country met the economic vulnerability criterion.

More information

• Revised list of LDCs
• LDC website
• LDC factsheets
• Reports and resolutions
• LDC handbook