Seven Worlds Index

The Seven Worlds Index classifies the countries of the world according to their political systems, societies, and economies, as (I) Liberal Democracy, (II) Communist and Post-Communist, (III) Newly Industrializing Countries (NICs), (IV) Less Developed Countries (LDCs), (V) the Islamic Worlds, (VI) Marginal States, and (VII) Microstates. The British political scientist John McCormick developed this classification system in an attempt to analyze, explain, and understand the world’s international relations after the conclusion of the Russo-American Cold War (1945-91).
Liberal Democracy
Liberal democracies possess legitimate, well-defined, and predictable political processes and institutions. Usually, these nations are wealthier than other types of nation states, and have a relatively-high respect for the civil rights and civil liberties of their citizens. They are capitalist, industrialized, and have influence on their allies and neighbouring nations. Most liberal democracies were included as part of "the First World". Examples: Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States.
Communist and Post Communist
This category could now also be described as "states in transition," but they are all linked by the common experience of Marxist-Leninist government and economy. Most of these states turned their backs on communism at the end of the Cold War. Eventually many of these nation-states will probably disperse into other categories like the liberal democracies, newly industrializing countries, or even regress and fall into the less developed countries or marginal states categories. All are former Second World countries. Examples: , Cuba, North Korea, Poland, Russia, and Vietnam.
Newly Industrializing Countries
Most of these states are undergoing economic, political, and social transformation as a result of industrialization like the kind that Europe experienced in the 18th and 19th century. Their political systems are stabilizing, and the economy of these states is industrializing rapidly. Examples: Algeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand, Egypt, Philippines, South Africa, and Turkey.
Less Developed Countries
Largely located in Latin America as well as sub-Saharan Africa, these nation states have some potential to build political, economic, or social stability, but face many long-term obstacles. Some have stable political systems, but poor economies. Some have growing economies but unstable governments due to corruption and or questionable human rights records. Examples: Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Islamic World

A group characterized by the dominance of the religion of Islam in the societies. This is distinct because Islamic faith informs all other aspects of a nation-state's character including the ideological foundation for their political institution
, economics, social values, and often the legal system in the form of Sharia law. Examples: Brunei, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
Marginal States
This group is the most transitional of all nation-states. This transitional period is due to the fact they are actually failed states. To enter into the status of a failed state is because of political, social, or economic upheaval due to extended warfare, environmental disaster, or political and economic isolation. Examples: Afghanistan, Burma, Haiti, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
Microstates
These nations are put into a single category because of their size seems to be the most important factor that distinguishes them from the rest of the world. They have populations ranging from 800 to 5,000,000. They are usually highly dependent on larger neighboring countries for trade, protection, and natural resources. Examples: Barbados, The Bahamas, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Singapore, and Vatican City.

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