It compares LDCs to other groups in terms of connectivity and the affordability of services. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human development.2 LDCs have a combined population of 979 million people, representing 13% of the world's inhabitants in 2016. According to the ITU regional classification used in this report, three fifths (28) of the LDCs are located in Africa, a dozen are in Asia and the Pacific, six are in the Arab States and one is in the Americas (Figure 2.2 and Annex Table ?)