How is the Social Progress Index (SPI) calculated?

The Social Progress Index (SPI) is calculated by considering various indicators across three main dimensions: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity.

1. Basic Human Needs: This dimension includes indicators related to the availability of basic necessities such as nutrition, water, sanitation, shelter, and personal safety. It also considers access to basic healthcare and primary education.

2. Foundations of Wellbeing: This dimension focuses on indicators related to access to higher education, information and communication, health and wellness, environmental quality, and personal rights and freedoms. It also considers inclusiveness and equality within society.

3. Opportunity: This dimension assesses indicators related to personal rights, freedom of choice, access to advanced education, access to information and communication technologies, and tolerance and inclusion within society.

To calculate the SPI, each indicator within these dimensions is assigned a score based on its performance in a particular country. These scores are then aggregated to calculate the overall SPI score for that country. The SPI is typically measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher levels of social progress.

It is important to note that the SPI provides a holistic view of social progress and complements traditional economic indicators such as GDP by focusing on the well-being and quality of life of individuals within a society.