an attempt to make 'fairer' but still statistical measurements of development that became popular at the UN in the 1990s. Assigned value between 0 and 1 according to ranking position for each of the factors of purchasing power of income, literacy rate and longevity. Theoretical maximum of 3 was index 1. Criticized for measuring ranking rather than absolute idea of development, plus probably too biased in favour of wealth-dependent factors.
Geography Dictionary & Glossary for Students \\ ITS Tutorial School (ITS) - Hong Kong.