Indicators of Development

• Using only one indicator over simplifies development. It fails to show the full picture of what is going on in a country
• Some areas of a country may be much better off than others. For example, urban areas tend to be better developed than rural areas
• Different indicators provide insights into different aspects of development
• High GNI figures do not show where the money is being spent. It may not be going to improve health and education
• Single indicators use averages which disguise differences within a country
• There may be a few wealthy families but most of the population may be poor in comparison
• Certain indicators can be irrelevant to the real quality of life in many developing countries
• For example, Niger () frequently suffers from food shortages which will not be represented when looking at economic indicators
• HDI (human development index)


  Uses a combination of indicators to give a more balanced view of development. This looks at health, wealth, and education to give a full picture of what is going on in a country
• A high GDP per capita

  Suggests that the country has a larger and more developed economy
• Employment in agriculture is lower


  Suggests that they country has more industry. It also suggests it has more technology and machinery in farming so less people are employed
• A high literacy rate

  Suggests the country has a better education system
• A low birth rate

  Suggests that children are vaccinated against diseases.
• A high life expectancy


  Suggests that the country has better access to a healthy diet.
• More hospitals


  Suggests they country has a better health care system.
• A low life expectancy

  Suggests that elderly people do not have access to a pension so they can support themselves in their old age.
• A low birth rate


  Suggest more investment in their health care as there is specialist care e.g. maternity care.