Developed Countries

The label of a 'developed' country carries with it connotations of economic stability, advanced technology, high standards of living, and robust healthcare and education systems. Economists and political scientists rely on various metrics to assess and categorize the level of a country's development. The Human Development Index (HDI) is one such comprehensive measure, composed of three dimensions: longevity, education, and standard of living.

The HDI was developed by the United Nations and ranks countries from 0 (least developed) to 1 (most developed). It shapes an analytical picture of national achievement in key areas of human development, making it a valuable resource in comparative study of development across borders.

Insights about the world's development:

• Switzerland tops the HDI ranking with an impressive score of 0.962 out of 1, closely followed by Norway, Iceland, and Hong Kong. These nations demonstrate a high standard of living, strong educational systems, and long life expectancy, epitomizing the classic traits of a developed nation.
• The United States, a powerhouse of global economics and innovation, ranks 21st worldwide with an HDI score of 0.921. This score confirms its status as a developed nation, though it does lag behind countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
• Generally, the higher the HDI score, the higher the level of social and economic development. The top 50 nations in the HDI ranking are made up predominantly of countries from Europe, Asia, and North America, highlighting regional economic disparities across the globe.
• It is interesting to note that nations located in the South Pacific, such as Fiji and Tonga, have comparatively lower HDI scores around the 0.7 mark, underscoring the developmental challenges faced by island nations due to geographical isolation and limited resources.
• Armed conflicts and political instability are amongst the substantial factors impacting development. Nations marked by recent or ongoing conflict, such as Afghanistan or Yemen, sit at the lower end of the HDI scale, indicating a low development level.

Leading the world is Switzerland with an indomitable HDI score of 0.962, setting the standard for longevity, educational attainment, and living standards. As a high-income country, Switzerland demonstrates a high quality of life, advanced economy, excellent infrastructure, and an unmatched standard of living, indicative of a state well into its post-industrial phase.

Closely following at second, we have Norway with an HDI score of 0.961. Known for its high standard of living, Norway’s strong educational system, infrastructure, and long life expectancy underscore its robust development status.

Not far behind is Iceland, scoring 0.959 on the HDI, a testament to its thriving education, remarkable life expectancy, and high-income economy. Iceland’s advanced infrastructure further contributes to its standing as a highly developed country.

In the fourth place, Hong Kong gets a score of 0.952. Despite its relatively small area, it signifies advancements in education, excellent infrastructure, and superior standard of living, making it a standout in global development.

Australia, remarkable for its high quality of life, scores an impressive 0.951, making it the fifth most developed nation. Its position can be credited to its established economy and widespread infrastructure.

Further down the list, we find Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, and The Netherlands, with respective HDI scores of 0.948, 0.947, 0.945, 0.942, and 0.941. These states exemplify a successful transition to post-industrial economies where services contribute more to their wealth than industry. 

Most Developed Countries in the World:

1. Switzerland - 0.962
2. Norway - 0.961
3. Iceland - 0.959
4. Hong Kong - 0.952
5. Australia - 0.951
6. Denmark - 0.948
7. Sweden - 0.947
8. Ireland - 0.945
9. Germany - 0.942
10. Netherlands - 0.941

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.

Year: 2021

Source: Human Development Index - UNDP Human Development Reports