How does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure happiness?

The Human Development Index (HDI) does not directly measure happiness. Instead, it is a composite index that measures the overall development and well-being of a country's population based on three key dimensions:

1. Health: This dimension is measured by life expectancy at birth, which reflects the overall health and longevity of individuals in a country. Higher life expectancy indicates better access to healthcare and a higher quality of life.

2. Education: The education dimension is measured by two indicators: mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling. Mean years of schooling represents the average number of years of education received by individuals aged 25 and older, while expected years of schooling represents the number of years of education that a child of school entrance age is expected to receive. Higher values in these indicators indicate better access to education and knowledge, which are crucial for human development.

3. Standard of living: This dimension is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, which reflects the economic well-being of individuals in a country. GNI per capita takes into account the income generated within a country as well as income received from abroad. Higher GNI per capita indicates a higher standard of living and greater economic opportunities.

While the HDI does not directly measure happiness, it provides a comprehensive assessment of a country's development by considering factors that are closely related to well-being and quality of life. By focusing on health, education, and standard of living, the HDI aims to capture the overall progress and potential for human development in a country.