Economic Development Indices Questions Medium
The Human Poverty Index (HPI) is a measure used to assess the level of poverty and deprivation within a country. It takes into account various dimensions of poverty, including income, education, and health, to provide a comprehensive understanding of human well-being.
The HPI was developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as an alternative to traditional income-based measures of poverty. It recognizes that poverty is not solely determined by income levels but also by the lack of access to basic human needs and opportunities.
The index combines indicators such as the percentage of people living below the poverty line, the percentage of adults lacking functional literacy, and the percentage of children underweight for their age. These indicators are weighted and aggregated to calculate the HPI value for a particular country.
The HPI is typically presented as a percentage, with higher values indicating higher levels of human poverty. It allows for comparisons between countries and over time, providing insights into the progress or regression in poverty reduction efforts.
By considering multiple dimensions of poverty, the HPI offers a more holistic view of human well-being and helps policymakers identify areas that require targeted interventions. It complements other economic development indices, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), by focusing specifically on poverty and deprivation.