Defining Development

Define

Defining Development, figure 1

Development – The use of resources to improve the standard of living of a nation.

Economic development – Looks at the total value of goods and services provided/income of a country.

Social development – Improvement in quality of life, social well being, equality and social justice.

Political development – Looks at the levels of democracy and freedom of speech

Measuring Development

Defining Development, figure 1

HDI

What is HDI?

HDI stands for Human Development Index.

Based on three variables:

  1. Life Expectancy (health)
  2. Level of Education (including literacy - education)
  3. GDP per capita (wealth - GDP)

This covers quality of life. Each variable is given a score from 1.0 (the best) to 0.0 (the poorest).

Defining Development, figure 1