Peripheral countries are nations that are less economically developed and often rely on more developed countries for trade and investment. They typically have lower levels of industrialization, higher rates of poverty, and limited access to technology. These countries may export raw materials and agricultural products while importing manufactured goods. In the context of global economics, peripheral countries are often contrasted with core countries, which are highly developed and industrialized. This relationship can create a cycle of dependency, where peripheral countries struggle to improve their economic status due to limited resources and opportunities for growth.