Human Development Index 1993
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
Norway
- #3
Australia
- #4
Canada
- #5
Switzerland
- #6
Japan
- #7
Iceland
- #8
Netherlands
- #9
Belgium
- #10
Germany
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #142
Niger
- #141
Mozambique
- #140
Mali
- #139
Burundi
- #138
Guinea
- #137
Afghanistan
- #136
Sierra Leone
- #135
Central African Republic
- #134
Malawi
- #133
Uganda
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Peru
In 1993, Peru achieved a Human Development Index of 0.633, ranking #76 out of 142 countries. This index was below the regional average for Latin America, reflecting challenges in social and economic development. Key drivers for this ranking included significant issues related to poverty, inequality, and political instability, which hindered progress in education and health services.
Mexico
In 1993, Mexico achieved a Human Development Index of 0.675, ranking #59 out of 142 countries. This score positioned Mexico above the global average but below several of its Latin American neighbors. Key drivers of this index included economic growth fueled by trade agreements and a young, growing population, which contributed to improvements in education and health outcomes during this period.
Pakistan
In 1993, Pakistan had a Human Development Index of 0.408, ranking #121 out of 142 countries. This score was significantly below the global average, reflecting challenges in health, education, and income levels compared to higher-ranked nations. Key drivers of this low index included economic instability, a lack of access to quality education, and high population growth rates, which strained public services and resources.
Laos
In 1993, Laos had a Human Development Index of 0.426, ranking #116 out of 142 countries. This value was lower than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting significant development challenges in the region. Key drivers of this low index included a largely agrarian economy, limited access to education and healthcare, and the impacts of past conflicts that hindered infrastructure development.
Netherlands
In 1993, the Netherlands achieved a Human Development Index of 0.863, ranking #8 out of 142 countries. This positioned the Netherlands significantly above the global average, reflecting its strong social and economic systems. Key drivers of this high ranking include a robust welfare state, high levels of education, and effective healthcare policies that contribute to overall quality of life.
New Zealand
In 1993, New Zealand achieved a Human Development Index of 0.838, ranking #16 out of 142 countries. This ranking places New Zealand above the global average, reflecting its strong social and economic conditions compared to many other nations. Key drivers of this high HDI include a robust healthcare system, high levels of education, and a stable economy that supports a high standard of living.
Portugal
In 1993, Portugal achieved a Human Development Index of 0.751, ranking #33 out of 142 countries. This placed Portugal above the global average, reflecting its relatively high standards of living and education compared to many nations. Key drivers of this index included Portugal's progressive social policies and economic reforms following its transition to democracy in the 1970s, which bolstered health care access and educational attainment.
Lesotho
In 1993, Lesotho had a Human Development Index of 0.477, ranking #109 out of 142 countries. This figure reflects significant challenges, as it was below the global average and indicates lower human development compared to neighboring South Africa, which was ranked much higher. Key factors contributing to this low ranking include high levels of poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and economic reliance on subsistence agriculture, which hampers overall development.
Nepal
Nepal ranked #117 globally with a Human Development Index value of 0.425 in 1993. This position is significantly lower than the regional average for South Asia, reflecting ongoing challenges in development. Key drivers of this low ranking include economic constraints, such as limited industrialization and reliance on agriculture, as well as geographic challenges that hinder infrastructure development and access to education.
Malaysia
In 1993, Malaysia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.677, ranking #58 out of 142 countries. This score positioned Malaysia above many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting its relative economic development and social progress. Key drivers of this performance included a growing manufacturing sector and government policies focused on education and health care, which contributed to improved living standards and life expectancy.
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, 1993. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/human-development-index/1993
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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