The term "Third World" originally referred to countries that were not aligned with either the Western Bloc or the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. It typically included nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that were less economically developed and often faced challenges such as poverty, political instability, and limited access to education and healthcare. Today, the term is considered outdated and potentially pejorative. It has largely been replaced by terms like "developing countries" or "Global South." These countries often work towards improving their economies and living standards, while also addressing issues like sustainability and social equity.