in economic terms, as of the early 21st century, the north—with one quarter of the world population—controls four-fifths of the income earned anywhere in the world. 90% of the manufacturing industries are owned by and located in the north. inversely, the south—with three quarters of the world population—has access to one-fifth of the world income. as nations become economically developed, they may become part of definitions the "north", regardless of geographical location; similarly, any nations that do not qualify for "developed" status are in effect deemed to be part of the "south".