The Least Developed Countries are a group of 50 countries which have been identified as "least developed" in terms of their low GDP per capita, their weak human assets and their high degree of economic vulnerability. The 2006 Report focuses on the development of productive capacities for sustainable pro-poor economic growth strategies and an analysis of the progress made on some of the quantified targets of the Programme of Action agreed during the Third UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

The Least Developed Countries Report 2013 analyses the employment challenge of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Demographic projections indicate that around 225 million people in LDCs will be entering the labour force until 2030. Hence, creating sufficient and decent employment opportunities for all will be a real challenge. However, recent experience shows that the link between growth and employment in LDCs is not automatic. The LDC Report 2013 aims to raise awareness and galvanize the attention of policymakers to the magnitude of the problem. It also reviews and analyses recent labour market performance of the LDCs, compares it with the future needs in relation to job creation, and elaborates concrete policy recommendations for growth with employment.

Contains an updated comprehensive explanation of the criteria, procedures and methodology used in establishing which countries are eligible for inclusion in, or recommended for graduation from, the least developed country (LDC) category. It also provides an overview of the special support measures that can be derived from having least developed country status.