What is the criterion used by the UNDP for classifying countries?

 Economic class 10
Development chapters

Q. What is the criterion used by the UNDP for classifying countries?

Ans.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has used the criterion of Human Development Index to measure the development of countries. HDI is calculated on the basis of:

(1) Per capita income: When the total national income of the country is divided by its population, we get the per capita income.

(ii) Life expectancy: It measures the average age of a person in a country. It helps us to know the health facilities of a country.

(iii) Literacy rate: Education is also one of the most important criteria for the development of a country.

(iv) Gross enrolment ratio: It measures the education gained at three levels—at the primary, secondary and higher education level.

Per capita income is also calculated in dollars for all countries so that it can be compared easily. HDI has been calculated for about 177 countries. According to it, the rank of India is 131 and the rank of Sri Lanka is 73, which is much better than that of India. We are required to make progress in the education and health sectors as yet.