Final answer:
Rapid population growth, poverty, and reduced life expectancy characterize low-income countries which struggle with inequality, lack of healthcare and education, and political instability. These countries often have high poverty rates, illiteracy, and low life expectancy due to inadequate resources and services.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rapid population growth, poverty, and reduced life expectancy are all characteristic of low-income countries. These countries often face a multitude of challenges including severe inequality, inadequate healthcare, poor education, and high unemployment. In these nations, a large portion of the populace lives below the poverty line, with many surviving on less than $1.90 per day, especially in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Most people in low-income countries are considered poor relative to those in higher-income nations and have limited access to essential services such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation. Education is not guaranteed, and illiteracy rates are high. The life expectancy in these countries is also lower due to factors such as the scarcity of healthcare providers, malnutrition, and the high prevalence of diseases.
In addition, these countries are often affected by political instability, corruption, and civil unrest, which further hinder economic growth and development. The lack of a legal framework for economic progression, coupled with command economies and political friction, exacerbates the situation. Notable examples of resource-rich countries unable to improve living standards due to these factors include the Democratic Republic of the Congo.