Final answer:
Independent countries are self-governed and autonomous, like the USA, France, and South Africa, while dependent countries like Puerto Rico and Bermuda rely on another country for governance. Development levels also categorize nations, with more developed countries having higher wealth and standards of living, such as Canada, Japan, and Australia, compared to less developed countries which face many socioeconomic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms independent countries and dependent countries can relate to political sovereignty or economic development. An independent country is one that exercises self-governance and political autonomy, like the United States, France, or South Africa. In contrast, a dependent country typically does not have full political independence and may rely heavily on another country for governance; examples include territories such as Puerto Rico (United States) or Bermuda (United Kingdom).
Furthermore, countries can be characterized by their level of development. More developed or wealthier countries often have a higher standard of living, better infrastructure, and education systems; examples include Canada, Japan, and Australia. Less developed or developing countries tend to have lower per capita income and may face various challenges such as limited access to healthcare and education. Many countries in central Africa, South America, and some island nations fall into this category.
When colonies transitioned to independent nations, they encountered numerous obstacles including establishing a stable political system, creating economic policies, and sometimes dealing with conflict and social dissent.