Specific country data | Human Development Reports (2024)

FAQs

Which country has the highest Human Development Report? ›

According to the Human Development Report 2023-24, the top 10 countries are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, China (SAR), Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, and the Netherlands.

The Human Development Report is an independent report, commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and is the product of a selected team of leading scholars, development practitioners and members of the Human Development Report Office of UNDP.

The health dimension is assessed by life expectancy at birth, the education dimension is measured by mean of years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and more and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age. The standard of living dimension is measured by gross national income per capita.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) compiles the Human Development Index (HDI) of 193 nations in the annual Human Development Report.

Countries with the highest Human Development Index value 2022. Switzerland had the highest level of the Human Development Index (HDI) worldwide in 2022 with a value of 0.967. With a score of 0.966, Norway followed closely behind Switzerland and had the second highest level of human development in that year.

The overall score ranges from 0 to 1 — where higher values indicate higher levels of human development. The rankings for 2022 highlights significant disparities in human development across the globe. At the top, Switzerland had a HDI score of 0.967, closely followed by Norway at 0.966, and Iceland at 0.959.

Human Development Report Office

The goal is to contribute towards the expansion of opportunities, choice and freedom. The office works towards this goal by promoting innovative new ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development.

For comparing the development of countries, Income is considered to be one of the most important attributes. A country scores higher HDI(Human Development Index) if income per capita of the country is higher. Developed countries have higher income per capita compared to developing countries.

The main critiques of the Human Development Index (HDI) are its simplicity, lack of inclusivity, and potential for misinterpretation. The HDI, developed by the United Nations, is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators.

Countries with the lowest Human Development Index value 2022

South Sudan and Somalia had the lowest levels of human development based on the Human Development Index (HDI).

What is a good HDI score? ›

These indicators are compiled into a single number between 0 and 1.0, with 1.0 being the highest possible human development. HDI is divided into four tiers: very high human development (0.8-1.0), high human development (0.7-0.79), medium human development (0.55-.70), and low human development (below 0.55).

How is it defined? The HDI is a summary composite measure of a country's average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health, knowledge and standard of living.

However, core inflation rates are relatively high due to increasing service sector prices and restricted labor markets. In most developing countries, inflation peaked in 2023 and is expected to moderate in 2024. Switzerland has been ranked as the world's most prosperous and developed country for the year 2024.

Limitations of the HDI

It is a simplification and an admittedly limited evaluation of human development. The HDI does not specifically reflect quality-of-life factors, such as empowerment movements or overall feelings of security.

What country has the fastest growing economy in the world ? According to the IMF, Guyana is the world's fastest-growing economy in terms of real GDP since 2018, boasting an impressive five-year average economic growth rate of 27.14%, including an astounding 62.3% growth in 2023.

Switzerland has a high HDI due to its emphasis on science and education, political neutrality, and high standard of living. Switzerland has a high HDI due to several factors.