Development is the process of growth, progress and positive change. It is a broad concept that includes economic, environmental and social change. Development also includes a level of quality change and the creation of conditions for that change to continue in the future.
Traditionally, the term development has been used to refer to economic growth and improvement in living standards. This growth is usually a result of economic and industrial progress, such as increased agricultural productivity or the widespread use of new technology.
Economic development is usually measured as a country’s per capita income, which is the value of goods and services that each person in the country consumes. Countries with low per capita incomes are often referred to as developing countries, while those with high per capita incomes are referred to as developed countries.
One of the most important aspects of economic development is the growth of international trade. This includes the export of raw materials and finished products, such as oil or computer software. This growth is often driven by advances in technology, which increase the efficiency of labor and allow a greater amount of production to be accomplished with fewer resources.
The field of human development is a scientific study of the changes and stability that occur throughout an individual’s life, from birth to death. The development of a child is dependent on the environment and genetics, so the course of a person’s development can vary widely.