industrialized

Industrialized is a term used to describe economies, regions, or societies that have undergone a sustained process of industrialization, typically characterized by a substantial share of manufacturing in output, high productivity, urbanization, and advanced infrastructure. The term denotes a status rather than a single moment in time, and it is often used to differentiate economies with a mature industrial base from agrarian or pre-industrial economies.

Industrialization refers to the historical transition from agrarian economies to ones dominated by industry and manufacturing, powered by mechanization, specialization, and capital accumulation. In modern usage, "industrialized" refers to places where this transformation is well advanced, usually evidenced by high per capita income, diversified industrial sectors, widespread access to electricity and transportation networks, and strong institutional frameworks.

Geographically, industrialized economies have historically been in Western Europe and North America, with significant expansion in East Asia in the late 20th century. In recent decades, some regions have experienced deindustrialization, shifting toward services, technology, or finance while maintaining high living standards.

The label is not absolute; different metrics may yield different classifications, and it does not imply uniform development across a country. Environmental and social challenges, such as pollution, worker rights, and income inequality, remain issues in many industrialized economies. The concept often overlaps with terms like developed, advanced, or post-industrial societies.