Should there be a question mark after the title?

Or is the title supposed to be a statement?

What is a First World Country? According to Nations Online (www.nationsonline.org/oneworl d/first_world.htm), the term First, Second and Third World refers to the post-WWII segregation of the world into those aligned with USA/NATO (First World), those aligned to the communists/Eastern Bloc (Second World), and the non-aligned states (Third World).

The same source also explains that "First World" could also mean "industrialized nations, developed countries, rich countries or the civilised world".

The American Heritage Dictionary also explains first world as "Industrialized capitalist nations of the world" during the cold war. (Note that there is no mention of democracy as a defining criteria)

So historically, Singapore was classified as Third World country because of its location (Asia, not in the North Atlantic), and its status as a developing country then.

As a member of NATO, Turkey was and is a First World Country (See "nations online" above).

However, if First World now means rich, developed country, how does Singapore fare in comparison with Turkey, an original First World Country?

Singapore has the lowest infant mortality rate according to the CIA fact book. Turkey is ranked as having the 72nd highest infant mortality rate. (www.cia.gov/cia/publications/ factbook/rankorder/2091rank.ht ml).

Life expectancy in Singapore is the 4th longest in the world tied with San Marino, at 81.8 years. Only Andorra, Macau and Japan are ranked higher. In Turkey, it is 72.88 years tied with China for 103rd place.

Per Capita GDP (PPP) of Singapore is $30,900 or 30th in the world which is better than France (31st), Monaco (32nd), Italy (33) or the European Union (34th). Turkey's Per Capita GDP of $8,900 puts it at 93rd position. (I guess they pulled down the EU's average)

Unemployment in Singapore is 3.1% (29th) which is better than the US (56th), Australia (57th), or the EU (100th). Turkey's unemployment is 10.2%, or 114th in the world.

In terms of economic freedom, wikipedia rates Singapore at 2nd place, and Turkey at 85th.

Transparency International reports that Singapore is rated the 5th least corrupt country. Only Iceland, Finland, New Zealand and Denmark had better ratings. Turkey ranked 65th.

Nations Online also reports on the Human Development Index. Singapore is ranked 25th in terms of countries that create "an environment in which people

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