I have occasionally floated the theory that you can have an interesting native culture, or you can have a working sewage system. People have called me names, but they've never offered much evidence contra.
The worst is public “traditional” toilets in Japan. A hole in the ground with a T-bar to hold on to when you squat.
Not everyone hits their mark. Unbelievable.
(Although Vietnam may have something similair.)
Sewage systems, fresh water to every house, electricity to every house, hut, and apartment, food available ... transportation. Roads (er, wait, them were roman inventions that the scots improved on ...)