noun
least developed countries; LDC
Official term used in international development contexts, referring to countries with the lowest socioeconomic indicators.
後発発展途上国への支援が国際会議で議論された。
Support for least developed countries was discussed at the international conference.
A broader term for developing countries; 後発発展途上国 specifically refers to the least developed among them.
Compound of 後発 (late-starting, later) + 発展途上国 (developing country), literally 'late-starting developing country'.