A compound indicator of economic development, established by the United Nations, which attempts to get away from purely monetary measurements by combining per capita GNP with life expectancy and literacy in a weighted average. ‘Human Development is a development paradigm that is about much more than the rise or fall of national incomes. It is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests. People are the real wealth of nations. Development is thus about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value’ (UNDP).

http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nhdr/ The Human Development Index database.