- What are we lacking as a nation? The difference between poor and rich nations has nothing to do with the age of the Nation. This can be demonstrated by countries like India and Egypt, which are more than 2000 years old and are still poor (Rather, to be positive, developing). On the other hand, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which were rather insignificant 150 years back are developed and rich countries. The difference between the poor and rich nations does not depend on the availability of natural resources too. Japan has limited territory, 80% mountainous, unsuitable for residence, agriculture or farming, but is the third largest economy of the world. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw material from across the whole world and exporting manufactured products. Switzerland : Switzerland is unable to grow cocoa yet produces the world's best chocolate. In their small territory, Switzerland rears animals and cultivates the land only for fou...