Newly industrialized country

political scientists and economists.

NICs are countries that are not quite yet at the status of a full-fledged capitalist liberal democracy, but still more advanced than countries in the third world or in the category of least developed countries.

NICs usually share some common features, including:

• A recent industrialisation (a switch from agricultural to industrial economies)
• Recent reforms allowing for greater political liberalization and democracy.
• Increased social freedoms and civil rights.
• An increasingly "open" economy, allowing for freer trade with its neighbours.

NICs often receive support from non-governmental organizations such as the WTO and other internal support bodies.

Some examples of NICs are India, Mexico, and South Africa.