The table illustrates four social and economic indicators
– annual income in US$, life expectancy, daily calorie supply, and adult literacy in Canada, Japan, Peru and Zaire in 1994, according to United Nations data.
Overall, Canada and Japan significantly outperformed Peru and Zaire in all categories. Higher income levels in the developed countries were clearly associated with longer life expectancy, higher calorie intake and almost universal literacy.
In 1994, Canada and Japan were significantly more developed than Peru and Zaire on social and economic indicators. Income per person was $11,100 in Canada and $15,760 in Japan. Life expectancy at birth was 76 years in Canada and 78 years in Japan. Canadians consumed roughly 3,326 calories per day, slightly more than the 2,846 calories in Japan. Adult literacy was extremely high in both countries, at 99%.
In contrast, Peru and Zaire had far lower social and economic measures. The average income per person was $160 in Peru and $130 in Zaire. Life expectancy was much shorter, at 51 years in Peru and 47 years in Zaire. Daily calorie consumption was also lower, with 1,927 calories in Peru and 1,749 in Zaire. Adult literacy rates were 68% in Peru and 34% in Zaire.