First World, Second World, Third World, Fourth World

These are the four general classifications of countries. Some "standard" definitions, somewhat controversial, are as follows....

First World refers to developed, capitalist, industrial, technologically advanced nations whose citizens have a high standard of living.

Second World refers to communist, socialist, industrial, technologically advanced nations whose citizens have a medium to high standard of living.

Third World refers to underdeveloped economically, but emerging, nations.

Fourth World is a relatively new term that refers to LDC's, or "less developed countries", and consists of mostly poor African and Arab nations. 

So, what do these terms have to do with us and our discussion? I really wanted to put this out there, because I want to make it clear that ANY country in ANY of these categories is a potential retirement haven. It depends what you're looking for. I want people to think outside the box, and realize that what a country has to offer a potential retiree isn't always based on where that country fits into an artificial model.

I want you to open your mind, and disregard all the usual biases and sources of misinformation. I expect most of my current, and future, readers will be "First Worlders". We "First Worlders" live in a sheltered world, with little understanding of countries unlike ours, and a long list of mistruths, biases, and unwarranted fears about things that are different from that to which we are accustomed. I can't count the number of people who react to my statement that I'd like to retire to Ecuador, for instance, with "WHY?!?!? Why would you want to live in a dirty, backwards, dangerous third world country? I've heard that everything is corrupt, that you can spend hours in line waiting at the bank, that you can't drink the water, that Americans get kidnapped there all the time."

It's that kind of misinformation that closes people's minds to wonderful opportunities. I want my readers to think outside the box, and to be open to the many wondrous adventures that await us in a diverse world.

So don't discount a country I review just because of the title. Read what I have to say, do a lot of your own research, talk to people who have been there, and let's go for an eye-opening world tour!