Fact Check: The Global South refers to developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Fact Check: "The Global South refers to developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia."

What We Know

The term "Global South" is commonly used to describe a group of countries that are primarily located in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. According to the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Global South broadly encompasses Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand). This classification is based on socio-economic and political characteristics rather than geographical location alone.

Countries in the Global South are often characterized by lower standards of living, which include lower incomes, high levels of poverty, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. These nations are generally identified as developing or least developed countries, contrasting with the wealthier nations of the Global North, which include Northern America and Europe, among others (UNCTAD).

Analysis

The claim that the Global South refers to developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia is supported by multiple credible sources. The World Economic Forum and the Commons Library both affirm that the Global South includes countries from these regions, emphasizing their shared historical context of colonialism and economic challenges.

However, it is important to note that the term "Global South" is not strictly geographical. It serves as a socio-economic classification that reflects the disparities in wealth and development between these countries and those in the Global North. The Foreign Analysis elaborates on this by stating that the Global South consists of nations that have been historically marginalized in global economic systems.

Evaluating the reliability of these sources, the UNCTAD is a reputable organization within the United Nations, providing authoritative data on global economic conditions. The World Economic Forum and the Commons Library also have established credibility in discussing global issues.

While the term "Global South" is widely accepted, some scholars argue that the dynamics between these regions and the Global North are complex and evolving, with globalization playing a significant role in altering traditional economic hierarchies (CSIS). Nonetheless, the foundational definition of the Global South as comprising developing countries in the specified regions remains consistent across sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "The Global South refers to developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia" is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the Global South encompasses these regions, characterized by socio-economic challenges and a history of colonialism. The classification serves as a useful framework for understanding global inequalities and development issues.

Fact Check: The Global South refers to developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.