Some poor countries appear to be falling behind rather than catching up with rich countries. Which of the following could explain the failure of a poor country to catch up?

A) The poor country uses a lot of resources to promote free trade policies.
B) The poor country has a health epidemic such as the Zika virus.
C) The poor country wasted resources fighting corruption.
D) The poor country heavily invests in education.

Catch Up

The process through which countries or businesses lagging behind in technology, productivity, or economic development attempt to close the gap with leaders.

Zika Virus

A mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects and other neurological conditions in infants born to infected mothers.

Free Trade

The absence of tariffs, quotas, and other regulatory barriers to trade between countries, allowing for the unrestricted exchange of goods and services.