What is the HDI? 

The Human Development Index (see Pakistan NHDR Page 138 Technical Notes) measures a country's achievements in three aspects of human development: longevity, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Longevity is measured by life expectancy at birth; knowledge is measured by a combination of the adult literacy rate and the combined gross primary, secondary, and tertiary enrolment ratio; and standard of living, as measured by GDP per capita (PPP US$).  

How is the Human Development Index used? 

To capture the attention of policy makers, media and NGOs and to draw their attention away from the more usual economic statistics to focus instead on human outcomes, not economic data. The HDI was created to re-emphasize that people and their lives should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth. To question national policy choices - asking how two countries with the same level of income per person can end up with such different human development outcomes (HDI levels). For example, Viet Nam and Pakistan have similar levels of income per person, but life expectancy and literacy differ greatly between the two countries, with Viet Nam having a much higher HDI value than Pakistan. These striking contrasts immediately stimulate debate on government policies on health and education, asking why what is achieved in one country is far from the reach of another.  

The HDI can be used as well to highlight wide differences within countries, between provinces or states, across races, language or religious groupings. Highlighting internal disparities along these lines has raised national debate in many countries. 

Is the HDI enough to measure a country's level of development? 

Not at all. The concept of human development is much broader than can be captured in the HDI, or any other of the indices (GDI, GEM and HPI). The HDI, for example, does not reflect political participation or gender inequalities. The HPI-2, measuring human poverty in the richest countries, shows surprising results. The United States, with the second highest GDP per capita, also has the highest extent of deprivations. The indices can only offer a broad proxy on the issues of human development, gender, and human poverty. A fuller picture of a country's level of human development requires analysis of other human development indicators and information

Is the HDI comparable over time? 

Yes, the HDI is comparable over time. HDR 2002 presents a time series in HDI for 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000.This time series uses the latest methodology and most up-to-date data.  

Is the HDI comparable across Human Development Reports?  

Due to updates in the data series, as well as changes in the methodology of the HDI, the HDI presented in the 1990 through 2002 reports is not comparable over time. However, as the above answer indicates, time series data is available in Table 2 of Human Development Report 2002.  

Why was the HDI methodology changed for the 1999 Human Development Report? 

The methodology of the HDI has evolved and improved over time. In 1999, the formula used to treat the income component of the HDI was significantly refined, setting the methodology on a more solid analytical foundation. (HDR 1999 technical note: computing the indices) 

Is human development data available before 1975?  

Not all components of the HDI are available before 1975, and so 1975 is the first year for which the HDI was calculated. Some indicators are available before this time, such as life expectancy which is available since the 1950s.  

Why doesn't the HDI include dimensions of participation, gender, and equality? 

The HDI is designed to reflect average achievements in three aspects of human development-leading a long life, being knowledgeable, and enjoying a decent standard of living. Participation, gender, and equality are measured in other indices of the Human Development Report. Participation and gender are measured by the GEM. Gender equality is measured by the GDI and inequality is measured by the HPI.