Reddit Users Share Which Countries Are More Underdeveloped Than Most Of Us Realize

The media is a large enough entity that you can watch it cover different countries from the comfort of your home. Those countries usually compete to showcase their best to the rest of the world, presenting themselves as the places to be.

Unfortunately, this, in turn, obscures numerous issues, including remnants of a troubled past, political corruption, and a lack of resources. These problems are still prevalent and result in crippling poverty for locals. 

Locals and tourists who take the time to explore countries beyond the major hotspots witness how underdeveloped many countries actually are. They see the issues that are obviously present but are quietly pushed aside.

In a r/AskReddit post, a Redditor asked people which countries they believe are more underdeveloped than meets the eye. It was a serious topic that the OP wanted to delve into, with the moderator setting up rules for participants to take it seriously.

Redditors complied and provided their experiences and insights as both foreigners and locals in different countries. Some answers are surprising, but most are heartbreaking, leading one to question whether all places are like that and if there’s any hope for positive change to come.

There is always another side to what the media usually portrays

Ayyyyylmaos

Redditors who have visited these places confirm that the poverty there is what they remember most

PhilosopherRider

We're all hopeful for that change

PhilosopherRider

It’s a sad fact that many tourists can see how beautiful a country is, but the residents only worry about how to survive in it

ViciousVixen159

The gap in living conditions in other countries can be surprising at times

ViciousVixen159

With how they portray Russia, you wouldn’t think this vast country is actually more underdeveloped than many people believe

SertainlyKrazy

There are many beautiful places in South America, and one of the top picks is Argentina; yet, there is something wrong with the way it’s being developed

laafb

Some people who live in places with many misconceptions share their thoughts; this Redditor is from

ZealousidealFunny895

As much as there are underdeveloped areas in these countries, there are also developed regions that most people don’t see

Delaine1978

There are also countries that are top-notch tourist destinations, but what people don’t know is that when you’re outside the central city, glimpses of poverty emerge

ooo-ooo-oooyea

You’d doubt if you’re in another world when you see it

amiaffe

There were discussions in the thread about the industrial revolution and how it significantly affected the present situation in Italy, hence the disbelief that it looks different from what tourists envision

youngfriariello

Like other examples, China is also a country where, if you go beyond the main cities, you’ll see clear poverty

sibman

The mixture of descriptions for this country is very concerning

Redqueenhypo

An undeveloped country can have one overwhelming negative factor, but sometimes it has more than a few

Quickquestionwhat321

People provided insights about first-world countries, but their underdevelopment isn’t common knowledge

NearPeerAdversary

They’re approaching it the wrong way, and they’re not stopping

underthehedgewego

Then there are countries that the media portrays as very advanced but are filled with hidden secrets that only the locals see

Threeofnine000

Those “advancements” are featured prominently but don’t do much for those who suffer from poverty

Xc0liber

The purpose of this post wasn't disclosed by the OP, but hopefully, it opened the eyes of those who aren't aware of the situations around the world. Many people remain too ignorant to acknowledge what they witness, but perhaps in the future, there will be a collective change for the better.

Do you know of more countries like the ones we listed? You can share them with us in the comments.