Human Development Index 1990
The Human Development Index combines indicators of health, education, and income to assess development levels.
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Complete Data Rankings
- #1
United States - #2
Australia - #3
Canada - #4
Switzerland - #5
Norway - #6
Netherlands - #7
Japan - #8
Denmark - #9
Iceland - #10
Germany
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #141
Niger - #140
Mali - #139
Mozambique - #138
Guinea - #137
Afghanistan - #136
Burundi - #135
Malawi - #134
Sierra Leone - #133
Gambia - #132
Uganda
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Central African Republic
In 1990, the Central African Republic had a Human Development Index of 0.342, ranking #131 out of 141 countries. This value reflects a significant disparity compared to higher-ranked nations, illustrating the challenges faced by the country. Key drivers of this low index include ongoing political instability and limited access to education and healthcare, which have hindered human development initiatives.
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
In 1990, Congo, Democratic Republic of the had a Human Development Index of 0.388 and ranked #123 out of 141 countries. This value positioned it significantly below the global average, reflecting challenges faced by the nation compared to its neighbors in Central Africa. Key drivers of this low ranking include ongoing political instability, economic mismanagement, and a lack of access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Jordan
In 1990, Jordan had a Human Development Index of 0.619, ranking #79 out of 141 countries. This value was below the regional average for the Middle East and North Africa, indicating challenges in human development relative to its neighbors. Key drivers of this statistic included a growing population and economic pressures stemming from regional instability, which impacted education and healthcare access.
Gabon
In 1990, Gabon achieved a Human Development Index of 0.621, ranking #78 out of 141 countries. This position is notable as it reflects a higher development level compared to several neighboring Central African nations, which often struggle with lower HDI values. Key drivers behind Gabon's relatively strong performance include its rich natural resources, particularly oil, which have significantly contributed to economic growth and infrastructure development.
Burundi
In 1990, Burundi had a Human Development Index of 0.294, ranking #136 out of 141 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting the country's challenges in development compared to higher-ranked nations. Key drivers of this low index include ongoing political instability and economic difficulties, which have hindered access to education and healthcare for its population.
Estonia
In 1990, Estonia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.738, ranking #34 out of 141 countries. This score positioned Estonia above the global average, reflecting its advanced social and economic conditions compared to many peers. Key drivers of this performance included a relatively high level of education and a rapidly developing economy following its independence from the Soviet Union. Additionally, Estonia's commitment to democratic governance and market reforms played a significant role in enhancing its human development outcomes.
Sweden
In 1990, Sweden achieved a Human Development Index of 0.818, ranking #15 out of 141 countries. This placed Sweden above the global average, reflecting its strong commitment to social welfare and education compared to many nations. Key drivers of this high ranking include Sweden's robust economy, extensive healthcare system, and progressive policies that promote equality and access to education for its citizens.
Bulgaria
In 1990, Bulgaria achieved a Human Development Index of 0.706, ranking #49 out of 141 countries. This placed Bulgaria above the global average, reflecting its relatively high levels of education and life expectancy compared to many nations during that period. Key drivers of this index included Bulgaria's robust education system and a healthcare infrastructure that, despite economic challenges, supported a relatively healthy population. Additionally, the country's transition from a centrally planned economy was beginning to influence its development outcomes positively.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica achieved a Human Development Index of 0.677 in 1990, ranking #56 out of 141 countries. This score is notably higher than that of many Central American neighbors, reflecting the country's commitment to social welfare and education. Key drivers of this ranking include Costa Rica's investment in healthcare and education, which have resulted in a relatively high literacy rate and life expectancy compared to regional averages.
Bangladesh
In 1990, Bangladesh had a Human Development Index of 0.397, ranking #119 out of 141 countries. This value was considerably lower than the global average, reflecting significant challenges in health, education, and income. Key drivers of this low index included high population density, limited access to education, and economic constraints that hindered development initiatives.
Data Source
Human Development Index | UNDP, Human Development Report via Our World in Data
Data produced by UNDP, Human Development Report, compiled and published by Our World in Data as "Human Development Index".
Visit Data SourceCite this page
Geo Factbook. (n.d.). Human Development Index by Country, 1990. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/human-development-index/1990
The figures on this page come from Human Development Index | UNDP, Human Development Report via Our World in Data. For academic work, cite the original source as well.
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