Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index is a composite measure combining life expectancy, education levels (years of schooling), and gross national income per capita to rank countries' development. It provides a more holistic development measure than GDP alone.
Real World
Niger ranks among the world's lowest HDI nations (around 0.394) despite having uranium deposits that generate export revenue, illustrating how GDP-based measures alone disguise poor health and education outcomes affecting ordinary citizens.
Exam Focus
Always quote specific HDI values and country examples; 'evaluate' questions require you to state both strengths and limitations of HDI as a measure.
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