Why Do Rich Countries Stay Rich?

Imagine rolling a snowball down a hill. A small ball picks up more snow as it goes because it touches the ground and grabs bits of ice. Once it gets big enough, it rolls faster and grabs even more!

Rich countries are like those big snowballs. They have lots of money to build good schools so their kids learn fast. Smart kids become smart workers who make more money. Those workers buy more things, which helps businesses grow. The businesses then pay taxes that build better roads and hospitals.

Poorer countries often start with tiny balls. They might not have enough money to build a school yet, so kids stay home to work on farms or in markets. If the family is too poor to save, they cannot buy new tools. Without good tools, they make less food. With less food and tools, it is hard to get rich.

But here is the good news: if a poor country gets a little push, like finding oil or getting help from other nations, its snowball can start rolling! It might take time, but once it picks up speed, it stays strong.