Zambia: Human development

The latest value from 2023 is 0.595 points, an increase from 0.569 points in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 0.744 points, based on data from 185 countries. Historically, the average for Zambia from 1980 to 2023 is 0.495 points. The minimum value, 0.418 points, was reached in 1994 while the maximum of 0.595 points was recorded in 2023. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Human Development Index for Zambia 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.