[Diddle E. Squat]

So which do you think will next make the list of developed countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Malaysia, or Chile? Will all be perceived as such within the next decade>?

I'd say Singapore already qualifies.

[Torie]

Singapore does indeed qualify. I would say Hungary and the Czech Republic are the most likely, and maybe Poland, because they are geographically desirable to the rich zone. Their terminal birth rates will also help in the short run, if not the long run. Chile is also in the running, but inhabits a bad neighborhood. Malaysia is sort of a bomb waiting to happen I suspect. Those with the money are the Chinese, and they are a minority in a Muslim nation. That is not a good mix. My brother spends a lot of time there leading birding tours, and he has a bad feeling about the place. Thailand on the other hand is an entirely different matter. The place has friendly folks with a good disposition that are hard working, and intelligent.