Human Development Index 1997
The Human Development Index combines indicators of health, education, and income to assess development levels.
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Complete Data Rankings
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #149
Niger - #148
Mozambique - #147
Mali - #146
Rwanda - #145
Burundi - #144
Sierra Leone - #143
Djibouti - #142
Central African Republic - #141
Guinea - #140
Afghanistan
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Lithuania
In 1997, Lithuania achieved a Human Development Index of 0.739, ranking #46 out of 149 countries. This score placed Lithuania above the global average, reflecting its transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one following independence. Key drivers of this development included improvements in education and healthcare, alongside economic reforms that spurred growth and investment in the country.
Lesotho
In 1997, Lesotho had a Human Development Index of 0.469, ranking #118 out of 149 countries. This score placed Lesotho below the regional average for Southern Africa, indicating significant developmental challenges. Key drivers of this low index included a high prevalence of poverty, limited access to healthcare, and a reliance on agriculture vulnerable to climatic changes.
Papua New Guinea
In 1997, Papua New Guinea had a Human Development Index of 0.449, ranking #123 out of 149 countries. This figure places it significantly lower than regional neighbors, reflecting challenges in development compared to countries like Australia, which ranks much higher. Key drivers of this low ranking include limited access to education and healthcare, compounded by geographic barriers and a reliance on subsistence agriculture, which hinder overall economic growth.
Iran
In 1997, Iran achieved a Human Development Index of 0.687, ranking #64 out of 149 countries. This position is notable when compared to regional neighbors, as many countries in the Middle East and North Africa had lower scores. Key drivers of this index include Iran's relatively strong educational system and healthcare improvements, which have contributed to better life expectancy and literacy rates despite ongoing economic challenges and international sanctions.
Portugal
In 1997, Portugal achieved a Human Development Index of 0.789, ranking #29 out of 149 countries. This position reflects a significant advancement compared to several of its European neighbors, particularly as it was above the global average at that time. Key drivers of this development included a strong emphasis on education and healthcare reforms, alongside a growing economy bolstered by European Union membership, which facilitated investment and infrastructure improvements.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone ranked #144 with a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.307 in 1997, placing it among the lowest globally. This figure was significantly impacted by the ongoing civil war, which disrupted economic activities and deteriorated public services. Additionally, high levels of poverty and limited access to education and healthcare further hindered human development outcomes in the country.
Norway
In 1997, Norway achieved a Human Development Index value of 0.9, ranking #1 out of 149 countries. This remarkable score positioned Norway well above the global average, reflecting its strong commitment to social welfare and economic stability. Key drivers of this high ranking include a robust economy fueled by oil and gas resources, coupled with comprehensive healthcare and education systems that promote high living standards.
Rwanda
In 1997, Rwanda had a Human Development Index of 0.295, ranking #146 out of 149 countries. This figure positioned Rwanda near the bottom of global rankings, reflecting significant challenges in human development compared to regional neighbors. The devastating impacts of the 1994 genocide, including loss of life and disruption of social and economic structures, severely hindered progress in health, education, and income levels.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua's Human Development Index in 1997 was 0.568, ranking it #103 out of 149 countries. This value was below the regional average for Central America, indicating significant challenges in human development compared to its neighbors. Key factors influencing this index included widespread poverty, limited access to healthcare, and educational disparities, which hindered overall social progress in the country.
Namibia
In 1997, Namibia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.58, ranking #101 out of 149 countries. This score was significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in health, education, and income. Key drivers of this ranking included the country's high levels of poverty and inequality, as well as the impact of historical factors such as colonialism and ongoing socio-economic disparities. Additionally, Namibia's vast geographic landscape presents logistical challenges for service delivery and infrastructure development.
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, 1997. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/human-development-index/1997
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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