Validity of Human Development Index

There are varieties of indices developed for grading the degree of human development. Human Development Index (HDI) is one among them generated by the United Nations. Human Development is a process of expanding human choices and enabling people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives. The HDI is calculated based on three indicators, longevity, educational attainment and the real standard of living. Longevity is measured by the life expectancy at birth. Educational index is calculated as a combination of adult literacy (two thirds weight) and the combined first, second and third-level gross school enrolment ratio (one third weight). Standard of living, is measured by real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, converted into international dollars/purchasing power parity (ppp$).