A composite indicator combines several dimensions into one number. The best known is the Human Development Index (HDI), from 0 to 1.
The HDI: three dimensions
A long and healthy life
Life expectancy at birth.
Knowledge
Mean years of schooling for adults; expected years for children.
A decent standard of living
GNI per capita at PPP.
The points to remember
- Norway and Switzerland score above 0.95; the lowest countries score below 0.4.
- Learn the three dimensions and what measures each.
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Other composite indicators fix what the HDI leaves out.
Three more composite indicators
| Index | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) | The HDI cut for inequality in health, schooling and income |
| Gender Inequality Index (GII) | Gaps between women and men in health, power and work |
| Happy Planet Index | Well-being and life expectancy against the planet's resources used |
Why income and HDI rankings differ
Ranks lower on HDI
Oil wealth can raise income without schools or health care for all: Equatorial Guinea.
Ranks higher on HDI
Spending on health and schooling raises the HDI above income: Cuba.
Know your predicted grade
Take timed mock exams and get detailed feedback on every answer. See exactly where you're losing marks.
Paper 2 asked this in May 2026, for 2 marks; it asked for two HDI components in May 2025.
Text B says that Kalvia's Human Development Index rose from 0.61 to 0.68 in ten years.
Define the term Human Development Index.
Model answer plan
See the answer broken into clear points, with guidance on how each point earns marks.
Short questions on the other indices
Two IHDI dimensions
Any two of health, education and income, each adjusted for inequality.
High income, low well-being
Income is unequal or spent on goods that do not raise health and schooling.