Iceland: Human development

The latest value from 2023 is 0.972 points, an increase from 0.959 points in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 0.746 points, based on data from 185 countries. Historically, the average for Iceland from 1980 to 2023 is 0.884 points. The minimum value, 0.754 points, was reached in 1980 while the maximum of 0.972 points was recorded in 2023. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Human Development Index for Iceland published by the United Nations is a composite measure including life expectancy, educational attainment, and income level. It aims to measure not only incomes but life quality as well.

Definition: The Human Development Index measures three basic dimensions of human development: long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Four indicators are used to calculate the index: life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.