Topic / 24 questions

Characteristics and Institutions of Developing Countries MCQs

Characteristics and Institutions of Developing Countries MCQs cover the economic features that distinguish low-income economies, such as dual economies, informal sectors, primary export dependence and low per capita income. They help development economics students and CSS, PMS and lecturer test candidates. Each question shows its correct answer instantly, so you can check concepts as you revise.

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What are export primary commodity concentration ratios?

Correct answer A. Food, raw materials, minerals and organic oils and fats as a percentage of total merchandise exports

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What is economic rent?

Correct answer C. Is the payment above the minimum essential to attract the resources to the market

Open question

The informal sector includes which of the following: I. artisans, cottage industrialists, petty traders; II. garbage pickers, unauthorised taxis, repair persons; III. the self-employed; IV. activities with little capital, skill or entry barriers?

Correct answer C. All of I, II, III and IV

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What is a country’s export commodity concentration ratio?

Correct answer B. Ratio of four leading commodities to total merchandise exports

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Under what condition does real GNP per capita rise?

Correct answer D. The rate of growth in real GNP is greater than the rate of growth in the population

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When does real GNP per capita increase?

Correct answer C. The rate of growth of real GNP is greater than the rate of growth of population

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Which statement about low-income countries is true?

Correct answer D. The average agricultural family produces a surplus large enough only to supply a small non-agricultural population

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According to Lewis’s model, when does a dual economy grow?

Correct answer B. The modern sector increases its output share relative to the traditional sector

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Consider these statements on clientelism: I. it is also known as patrimonialism; II. it is the dominant pattern in many LDCs; III. it is a personalised relationship between patrons and clients; IV. it rests on unconditional loyalties with no mutual benefit. Which are correct?

Correct answer B. I, II and III only

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About Characteristics and Institutions of Developing Countries MCQs

This topic comes from development economics. Questions explain when real GNP per capita rises, what makes a dual economy, with a modern sector alongside a traditional one, and the role of industrialisation in growth. You will also find items on the informal sector, which includes small unregistered businesses and self-employed workers, export commodity concentration ratios that show dependence on a few primary products, and the limited agricultural surplus of farming families in low-income countries. These ideas are central to development economics papers in civil service and lecturer exams.

Exams that include Characteristics and Institutions of Developing Countries MCQs

Pakistan

  • CSS
  • PMS
  • PPSC Lecturer tests
  • FPSC

India

  • UPSC CSE
  • UGC NET
  • State PSC exams

Bangladesh

  • BCS
  • University admission tests (DU, RU, JU)

Frequently asked questions

What is a dual economy?

A dual economy has two distinct sectors side by side: a modern, often urban and industrial sector with higher productivity and wages, and a traditional, often rural and agricultural sector with low productivity. The idea is linked with W. Arthur Lewis's model of development through labour transfer.

What is the informal sector?

The informal sector consists of economic activities that are not registered, regulated or taxed by the state, such as street vendors, small workshops and casual labourers. It provides many jobs in developing countries but usually offers low earnings, little security and limited access to credit.

How many Characteristics and Institutions of Developing Countries MCQs are on MCQs360?

MCQs360 has 24 MCQs on the characteristics and institutions of developing countries, free with no sign-up and with instant answers. They are useful for revising development economics before CSS, PMS or economics lecturer tests. Many items reward knowing the dual economy model well.

Last reviewed October 2026