Development Indicators

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The UNDP (UN development programme) describes development as: ‘the three essentials of development include the ability to lead a long and healthy life, to acquire knowledge, and to have a decent standard of life’. Some people believe that the political health of a country is an important factor in its development, alongside freedom of speech and demonstration.

Development can be measured in many different ways, and the main development points are listed below:

  • Employment
  • Poverty
  • Health
  • Education
  • Social Cohesion
  • Safety and Security
  • Good Governance


Aspects of Development that cannot be measured:

  • Freedom
  • Security
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation

 GNP & GDP

If you were to judge a country’s development by its economic status then its GNP (Gross National Product) and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) would be good measures. These measure the net income of a country and, though they can be very effective, don’t take into consideration the living standards of the country. For example, Saudi Arabia, with a high GDP, ranks well on a global scale, but despite this, the living conditions, health care and education are poor there.

HDI & PQLI

The HDI (Human Development Index) is a way to measure well-being within a country. This is mainly a social measurement because it takes into consideration education through the adult literacy rate and years of schooling, health care, which is judged by life expectancy, and finally, the economic factor of GDP. The HDI measures each of these factors between 0 and 1, one being the best. The HDI is a very useful measure of development because it includes economic and social indicators which help reduce anomalies. The PQLI is very similar to the HDI; however, the PQLI includes infant mortality and is measured between 0 and 100.

Problems with Development Indicators

The development indicators above all have their advantages and disadvantages. The main problems are that they only focus on certain aspects of development, i.e. social, economic, political or even environmental. Because of this, there tend to be countries that will rank highly due to a particular part of their country but aren’t as good as other countries when viewed holistically.

Read more about Ecosystems and Sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions

What are development indicators in human geography?

Development indicators are measures or variables used to assess and compare the level of development or well-being of countries or regions. They provide quantitative data on various aspects of social, economic, and environmental conditions.

What are some common examples of development indicators?

Common examples of development indicators include:

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita: Measures the economic output per person in a country, indicating the overall level of economic development.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Provides a composite measure of a country’s development by considering factors such as life expectancy, education, and income.
  • Literacy rate: Reflects the percentage of the population above a certain age who can read and write, indicating education levels and access to knowledge.
  • Infant mortality rate: Measures the number of deaths per 1,000 live births, serving as an indicator of healthcare access and overall well-being.
  • Poverty rate: Estimates the percentage of the population living below a certain income threshold, reflecting economic inequalities and social well-being.

How are development indicators used in human geography?

Development indicators are used to analyze spatial patterns, compare regions or countries, and understand the factors influencing development. Human geographers employ these indicators to assess disparities, identify trends, and formulate policies related to economic growth, social well-being, and sustainability.

What are the limitations of development indicators?

Development indicators have certain limitations that need to be considered:

  • Simplification: Development indicators often provide an oversimplified representation of complex socio-economic realities, as they cannot capture all aspects of development comprehensively.
  • Contextual Factors: Development indicators may not account for cultural, historical, and environmental factors that influence development, leading to potential bias or misinterpretation.
  • Data Reliability: The accuracy and reliability of data used to calculate development indicators can vary across countries, affecting the comparability and validity of assessments.
  • Changing Dynamics: Development is a dynamic process, and indicators may not capture the pace of change or account for future development trajectories.
  • Subjectivity: The selection and weighting of indicators can be subjective, as different perspectives may prioritize different aspects of development.

How do development indicators help in policy-making and planning?

Development indicators provide valuable information for policymakers and planners by:

  • Identifying Priorities: Indicators help identify areas that require attention and resources, guiding policy decisions and resource allocation to address development gaps.
  • Monitoring Progress: Indicators allow for tracking progress over time, enabling policymakers to evaluate the effectiveness of development interventions and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • International Comparisons: Indicators facilitate cross-country comparisons, supporting policymakers in benchmarking performance, learning from best practices, and setting realistic goals.
  • Targeted Interventions: Indicators help identify specific regions or population groups that require targeted interventions, enabling policymakers to design programs that address specific development needs.

Cite/Link to This Article

  • "Development Indicators". Geography Revision. Accessed on March 28, 2024. https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/development/development-indicators/.

  • "Development Indicators". Geography Revision, https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/development/development-indicators/. Accessed 28 March, 2024.

  • Development Indicators. Geography Revision. Retrieved from https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/development/development-indicators/.