# How a country is categorized as developed or developing?

Can you share an official source or reference of definition of a developed and developing country? some IMF or World Bank definition with link would be preferred. I need to write the reference in my thesis. Thanks

• Hi Asif! DId you already search yourself for those indicators? Did you see how indicators such as the HDI is calculated, for example? DId you search in this forum already? I believe that research work is part of your thesis, right? – JoaoBotelho May 12 '18 at 2:17
• – JoaoBotelho May 12 '18 at 2:17

Developed Economy Criteria: The most common metric used to determine if an economy is developed or developing is per capita GDP, although no strict level exists for an economy to be considered either developing or developed. Some economists consider $12,000 to$15,000 per capita GDP to be sufficient for developed status while others do not consider a country developed unless its per capita GDP is above $25,000 or$30,000. The United States' per capita GDP in 2016 was \$57,500.