ABSTRACT
Over the two post-war decades the East Asian countries made extensive, varied and arduous efforts in economic development. In the final assessment, an attempt must be made to measure the gain for the average Asian, the ordinary individual in this Region. The broad answer must be that the large increase in population, on a base already huge, has swallowed most of the material gains. The Asian masses remain in dire poverty: the dangers of this situation are being intensified rather than mitigated. It is advisable to begin by stressing the low levels among these people in respect of some of the most elementary requirements. Health, shelter and security of livelihood are considered below – such aspects as food and clothing having been reviewed in earlier chapters.
