The term "First World" originally referred to countries aligned with the United States during the Cold War, characterized by their capitalist economies and democratic political systems. These nations typically have high standards of living, advanced technological infrastructure, and strong social services. Examples include countries in Western Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Today, "First World" is often used to describe developed nations with high Human Development Index (HDI) scores. These countries generally enjoy stable economies, access to quality education and healthcare, and a high degree of political freedom. The term contrasts with "Second World" (formerly communist countries) and "Third World" (developing nations).