What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is primarily a composite statistic that measures the overall development of countries by combining indicators of health, education, and income. It provides a broader perspective on development beyond simple economic metrics by incorporating life expectancy as a proxy for health, education levels (measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling), and gross national income per capita as indicators of economic development.

This multi-dimensional approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of well-being and human potential in different countries. Hence, it effectively serves as a significant measure of economic development in the context of how various factors contribute to improving the quality of life.