Human Development Index 1999
The Human Development Index combines indicators of health, education, and income to assess development levels.
Newer data is available: Human Development Index by country 2023 →
Where does your country rank? Pick it to see its position.
Related People and Society statistics
More ↓
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Norway - #2
Sweden - #3
Iceland - #4
United States - #5
Denmark - #6
Netherlands - #7
Australia - #8
Germany - #9
Belgium - #10
Finland
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #153
Niger - #152
Sierra Leone - #151
Mozambique - #150
Burundi - #149
Mali - #148
Rwanda - #147
Central African Republic - #146
Djibouti - #145
Afghanistan - #144
Guinea
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Tunisia
In 1999, Tunisia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.646, ranking #88 out of 153 countries. This placed Tunisia above the regional average for North Africa, but lower than neighboring Algeria, which had a more developed health and education system. Key drivers of Tunisia's HDI included its relatively high literacy rates and advancements in healthcare, which were bolstered by government investments in education and social services in the post-independence era.
Serbia
In 1999, Serbia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.685, ranking #67 out of 153 countries. This placed Serbia below the global average, reflecting challenges in social and economic stability following the conflicts in the region during the 1990s. Key drivers of this index included a struggling economy, high unemployment rates, and the impact of international sanctions that hindered development and investment.
Ukraine
In 1999, Ukraine achieved a Human Development Index of 0.714, ranking #57 out of 153 countries. This placed Ukraine above many of its regional peers, reflecting a relatively higher level of human development compared to some neighboring countries. Key factors influencing this index included Ukraine's industrial base and educational system, which contributed to a skilled workforce, despite challenges such as economic transition and political instability during the post-Soviet era.
Samoa
In 1999, Samoa achieved a Human Development Index of 0.672, ranking #75 out of 153 countries. This score reflects a notable performance within the Pacific region, where many neighboring nations face greater challenges in human development. Key drivers for Samoa's HDI include its relatively stable economy, primarily based on agriculture and tourism, and effective social policies that promote education and health services.
Zimbabwe
In 1999, Zimbabwe had a Human Development Index of 0.462, ranking #123 out of 153 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating significant challenges in human development. Contributing factors include economic instability, exacerbated by land reform policies that disrupted agricultural production, and a decline in healthcare access, which affected overall quality of life. Additionally, political turmoil during this period hindered social progress and investment in essential services.
Tajikistan
In 1999, Tajikistan had a Human Development Index of 0.546, ranking #110 out of 153 countries. This score was significantly lower than the global average, reflecting ongoing challenges in the post-civil war recovery period. Key factors contributing to this index included a struggling economy heavily reliant on agriculture, limited access to education and healthcare, and high levels of poverty following years of conflict.
Vietnam
In 1999, Vietnam achieved a Human Development Index of 0.596, ranking #98 out of 153 countries. This value placed Vietnam below the regional average for Southeast Asia, indicating challenges in health, education, and income compared to its neighbors. Key drivers of this index included the country's ongoing economic reforms, known as Đổi Mới, which began in the late 1980s, as well as significant improvements in literacy and life expectancy during this period.
Thailand
In 1999, Thailand had a Human Development Index of 0.65, ranking #86 out of 153 countries. This score was notably higher than several neighboring countries, indicating a relatively better quality of life and development. Key drivers of this index included Thailand's economic growth fueled by tourism and exports, alongside significant investments in education and healthcare that improved overall living standards.
Uganda
In 1999, Uganda had a Human Development Index of 0.398, ranking #138 out of 153 countries. This placed Uganda below many of its East African neighbors and highlighted significant developmental challenges. Factors contributing to this low ranking included a history of political instability, high levels of poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare services. The country's ongoing recovery from civil conflict further hindered its human development progress during this period.
Slovenia
In 1999, Slovenia achieved a Human Development Index of 0.82, ranking #26 out of 153 countries. This places Slovenia above the global average, reflecting its strong social and economic development compared to many nations. Key drivers of this high ranking include Slovenia's transition to a market economy following independence and its investment in education and healthcare, which have significantly improved quality of life and economic stability.
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, 1999. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/human-development-index/1999
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.
›Embed this ranking on your site
Free to embed with attribution. Shows the top 10 countries and links back to the full ranking.
Historical Data by Year
Explore Human Development Index data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More People and Society Facts
See all People and Society facts →Average Female Breast Size by Country: Worldwide Data & Rankings
Average female breast size by country reveals intriguing global trends. Explore interactive maps and rankings to compare statistics across 266+ nations.
Total fertility rate
The total fertility rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, reflecting population growth and demographic trends. Understanding this statistic is crucial for analyzing economic development, healthcare needs, and societal changes across countries.
Highest: Chad5.86 per womanFemale Homicide Rate
Female homicide rate measures the number of women murdered per 100,000 women annually, highlighting gender-based violence levels.
Highest: Guyana11.56 per 100,000 womenYou might also like
Rule of Law Index by Country
FeaturedCompare countries by Rule of Law percentile rank, reflecting confidence in laws, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence.
Highest: Denmark101.77%Agriculture Value Added as a Share of GDP by Country
FeaturedExplore the agriculture value added as a share of GDP by country, measuring the economic impact of farming sectors. This statistic highlights the importance of agriculture in national economies and informs investment decisions.
Highest: China1.79T $Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization
FeaturedExplore the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, highlighting how urban development shapes countries' landscapes and influences economic growth. Understanding this statistic reveals the balance between urban and rural spaces, essential for sustainable planning.
Highest: Holy See100%