What is the HDI in geography?

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The HDI stands for Human Development Index. It is an indicator that shows the level of development of countries and is particularly important in geography. You will therefore often find it in atlases.

Every time you get in Geography If you look at a development map, it probably contains results from the HDI, the Human Development Index. It represents the level of development of all countries worldwide and makes a comparison possible. However, only certain factors are taken into account here.

What the HDI is

  • The index was established by the United Nations in 1990 and has since served as an annual barometer to compare the development status of countries around the world.
  • The index is represented using a factor that can have values ​​between 0 and 1, with 1 being very developed and 0 being very underdeveloped.
  • Note that the marking of the factors on maps, especially in geography and atlases, is often marked by different colors. Before taking a closer look, use the legend to make sure which interpretation which colors corresponds.

Country development in geography

  • The HDI includes factors in its evaluation, such as life expectancy, level of education and per capita income.
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  • Because of this limited selection, the index is often criticized, especially since the positive correlation to per capita income is very high. That is, the higher the income and that of the fellow citizen, the more likely it is that the country in which you live will assume a factor close to 1.
  • The index also presents average values ​​for the population. No statement can therefore be made about the distribution of development or prosperity. For example, it may happen that your personal income and educational situation does not reflect the results of the index.
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