What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures a country's overall development by focusing on key aspects of human well-being. Specifically, it incorporates income (economic prosperity), literacy (educational attainment), education (measured through school enrollment ratios), and life expectancy (health and longevity). By integrating these indicators, the HDI provides a more comprehensive view of development that goes beyond mere economic output, recognizing that quality of life and the potential for individuals to thrive are critical components of progress. This multifaceted approach helps to highlight disparities in development that might not be evident through traditional income-based metrics alone, as it emphasizes both social and economic factors that contribute to human development.