There are numerous ways to determine the development level of a country, both economic (Gross Domestic Product) and social (Gross National Happiness). But those of us who spend our years bouncing from one country to another begin to establish our own. This list started when I realised that a city or village should be classified by whether or not you could get Coke Zero. Sounds silly but it reflects two key determinants: one the logistical infrastructure of a country and two the dietary concerns of the people. Coke zero can only be popular where obesity or a healthy lifestyle have become relevant.

So here are a few others that I’ve collected over time – add yours in to the comments below.

• Number of attendees invited to a wedding
• Importance of driving or motor boat licences
• Prevalence of corrugated iron sheets
• Number of shopping malls
• Prevalence of rubbish on the streets and number of people employed (formally and informally) to collect and sort rubbish
• Number of stray dogs/cats
• Noise pollution which transfers to light pollution as a town develops
• Air conditioning temperatures in public places like trains, coaches and shops
• Visibility of cleft palates amongst the population
• Accessibility and availability of pirate goods
• Number of passengers allowed in one taxi
• Number of national tourists
• Number of people and animals on a motorbike