I think it was the "United Nations" that started that ... I saw a report years ago about it ... they break down countries according to their modern progress, education, health care, transportation, communications, food supplies, natural resources into "worlds" ... the USA, among many others, are 'first-world' countries .... 3rd world is the poorest of the poor, starving masses, no health care, no electricity or schooling, etc ... be very glad you weren't born into a 3rd world ... :smokin: