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Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a UN-developed measurement system that evaluates countries based on health, education, and standard of living, providing a broader understanding of well-being beyond economic indicators. Countries are classified into four categories based on their HDI scores, ranging from very high to low human development. HDI serves as a tool for identifying inequalities and guiding policies focused on improving human development rather than solely economic growth.

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11 views2 pages

Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a UN-developed measurement system that evaluates countries based on health, education, and standard of living, providing a broader understanding of well-being beyond economic indicators. Countries are classified into four categories based on their HDI scores, ranging from very high to low human development. HDI serves as a tool for identifying inequalities and guiding policies focused on improving human development rather than solely economic growth.

Uploaded by

Haymanot Mamo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measurement system developed by the


United Nations to evaluate and compare the overall development of different countries.
Unlike economic indicators such as GDP (Gross Domestic Product), HDI provides a
broader understanding of well-being by considering three key dimensions: health,
education, and standard of living. It was introduced in 1990 by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) to shift the focus of development economics from
national income to people and their capabilities.

Key Components of HDI:


1. Health (Life Expectancy at Birth):
This indicator reflects the ability to lead a long and healthy life. A higher life expectancy
usually means better healthcare systems, cleaner environments, and improved
standards of living. It serves as a proxy for the general health and longevity of a
population.
2. Education (Mean and Expected Years of Schooling):
Education is vital for improving quality of life and empowering individuals. HDI
considers two aspects:
- Mean years of schooling – the average number of years of education received by people
aged 25 and older.
- Expected years of schooling – the number of years a child entering school is expected
to receive, assuming age-specific enrollment rates remain the same.
3. Standard of Living (Gross National Income per Capital):
This is measured by the Gross National Income (GNI) per person, adjusted for
purchasing power parity (PPP). It indicates how much income people have to spend on
goods and services, giving a general idea of their material well-being.

HDI Classification:
Countries are ranked on a scale from 0 to 1. Based on their scores, they are grouped into
four categories:
- Very High Human Development (0.800 – 1.000)
- High Human Development (0.700 – 0.799)
- Medium Human Development (0.550 – 0.699)
- Low Human Development (below 0.550)
For example, countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Ireland often rank at the top due
to strong healthcare, education systems, and high incomes. On the other hand, many
SubSaharan African countries may fall into the low development category due to
challenges in these areas.

Importance of HDI
The HDI helps governments, organizations, and researchers understand where a
country
stands in terms of human well-being. It highlights inequalities and helps identify areas
that need improvement. For example, a country with a high income but poor education
and health outcomes will have a lower HDI than expected. This encourages more
balanced policies focused on human development, not just economic growth.
Additionally, HDI has led to the development of more detailed indices such as:
- Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) – which considers inequality within a country.
- Gender Development Index (GDI) – comparing HDI values for men and women.
- Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) – measuring poverty beyond income alone.

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