In order to more fully include the less developed countries in our monitoring process we have developed a modified format from our country profile that takes into account the unique circumstances of these countries. Today more than 100 countries are not participating meaningfully in the global economy. Most of the impoverished people in the world reside in these countries, countries that often show little progress toward sustainable development. Too many are accurately characterized as "failed systems" that are in decline to the point of implosion. The welfare gap separating less developed countries from more prosperous countries is not narrowing; in many instances it is becoming greater. Stagnant or declining trends in less developed countries jeopardize the stability and prosperity of the global community; self-interest requires that more prosperous states continue to assist them and increase efforts to bring these countries into the global system. Below you will find completed country profiles to date.