Within each of the focus areas for development, actions would be implemented depending on the status of astronomy in a particular country. The status of a country will be classified according to four “phases” of development:
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“Phase 1” countries would be well established countries with links to the IAU and functioning astronomy research and outreach communities.
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“Phase 2” countries would have existing astronomy research and outreach communities but remain in need of support in order to get astronomy well established.
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“Phase 3” countries would have a non-existent astronomy community but show strong potential in the form of physics/mathematics research and outreach communities who are willing to drive the development of astronomy.
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“Phase 4” countries would have a non-existent astronomy community and would have limited potential for the development of such a community i.e. no research or outreach communities.
