The biggest problem facing the developing world is economic instability. This has three significant negative effects on developing countries. It endangers the health and well being of impoverished citizens, it opens the door for violent authoritarian military regimes, and the economic insecurity has a cyclic effect in that it limits education and prevents the countries from utilizing their natural resources in order to tap in to the global market and lift themselves from poverty. "More than 1.3 billion in developing countries live in poverty; 600 million are extremely poor." Citizens of economically developing countries have no way to generate income, and therefore can not afford food, water, and access to healthcare. Many live in shanties in the slums, and have to trek huge distances just for access to drinkable water. The average lifespan is short due to malnutrition, and many die of diseases which modern healthcare could easily treat if they could afford it. Their position as economically disadvantaged disallows them access to what the UN considers basic human rights, the things most fundamental to the life and existence of a human being. More than 1.3 billion lack access to safe drinking water, more than 800 million have inadequate food supplies, and 1 billion live in the slums. Free market capitalism, which in the economic system that increases the GDP of a nation most rapidly, usually comes with democracy. However, in order to achieve stable democracy, civilian control is a necessity. The anarchy and poor living conditions caused by the financial instability of developing countries makes military intervention common. These coups, which obtain control of government or simply establish themselves as the ruling government, are led by small groups with a very specific, limited self-interest. For this small contingent, the military rule brings desirable power and wealth, while endangering the well being of the country as a whole. An authoritarian leader who directly controls the economic sector and does not allow the hand of the market to guide commerce severely limits the nations economic success while securing his own self interest. These leaders disguise the ulterior motives and selfishness by catering to ethnic prejudices or radical political stances which rally the citizens behind them, even though the citizens are shooting themselves in the foot by supporting a military government which will inhibit the nations economic success. Education is the last concern of citizens in developing countries who do not have access to food and water and can barely keep themselves alive. More than 900 million adults are illiterate, a negative byproduct of governments which have primary focus on the military sector. Democracy is the government of the peaceful and educated, neither of which is an attribute of those in developing countries. Education impels democracy and gives the citizens an opportunity to participate in their own government, rather than leaving control to a single selfish military figure. This brings about economic policy which is beneficial to the country as a whole, and can help to lift the country out of its developmental stage. Countries like China and Russia had huge economic success after the global industrial revolution when they began to open their doors to democratic foreign policies and embrace open market trading, but this was dependent upon a body of citizens who were educated and active enough to impel such a drastic governmental change. Economic instability creates a vicious cycle which brings about selfish military government, poor health and safety, and limited access to education for citizens of developing countries, and all these things prevent the country from taking steps towards improving its financial stability and status as a developing country.