Human Development Index 2004
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.
- #175
Niger - #174
Ethiopia - #173
Chad - #172
Central African Republic - #171
Burundi - #170
Mali - #169
Mozambique - #168
Sierra Leone - #167
Djibouti - #166
Guinea
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Haiti
In 2004, Haiti ranked #135 globally with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.505. This position is notably low compared to regional peers in the Caribbean, where many countries exhibit higher development scores. Contributing factors to Haiti's HDI include persistent political instability, economic challenges, and limited access to education and healthcare, which have hindered overall human development progress.
Algeria
In 2004, Algeria had a Human Development Index of 0.685, ranking #93 out of 175 countries. This score is below the regional average for North Africa, highlighting developmental challenges compared to its neighbors. Key factors influencing Algeria's HDI include its reliance on hydrocarbon exports, which impacts economic diversification, and ongoing social issues related to education and health services.
Albania
In 2004, Albania achieved a Human Development Index of 0.71, ranking #79 out of 175 countries. This value is indicative of a developing nation, positioned below the global average but above some regional neighbors. Key drivers of this index include Albania's transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, which has influenced its health and education sectors significantly.
Argentina
In 2004, Argentina achieved a Human Development Index of 0.808, ranking #42 out of 175 countries. This score positions Argentina above the regional average for Latin America, reflecting a higher level of human development compared to many of its neighbors. Key drivers of this performance include a relatively high literacy rate and access to education, alongside a diversified economy that has historically supported social welfare policies.
Rwanda
In 2004, Rwanda had a Human Development Index of 0.417, ranking #163 out of 175 countries. This score reflects significant challenges compared to regional averages, particularly when contrasted with neighboring Uganda, which has made notable progress in human development. Key drivers of Rwanda's low ranking include the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, which severely impacted the economy and social structures, as well as ongoing issues related to poverty and access to education.
Cambodia
In 2004, Cambodia had a Human Development Index of 0.502, ranking #138 out of 175 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in health, education, and income. Key drivers of this low ranking include the lasting impacts of civil conflict, which have hindered economic development and infrastructure improvements, as well as high poverty rates affecting access to essential services.
Brunei Darussalam
In 2004, Brunei Darussalam achieved a Human Development Index of 0.81, ranking #39 out of 175 countries. This value is notably higher than the regional average for Southeast Asia, reflecting its strong economic performance. The country's wealth, driven by extensive oil and gas reserves, has facilitated significant investments in healthcare and education, contributing to high living standards and life expectancy.
Brazil
In 2004, Brazil achieved a Human Development Index of 0.712, ranking #78 out of 175 countries. This value reflects Brazil's positioning in the lower middle range compared to regional leaders like Chile, which consistently ranks higher. Key drivers of Brazil's HDI included its diverse economy, which is heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources, as well as ongoing social disparities that impact education and health outcomes.
Myanmar
In 2004, Myanmar had a Human Development Index of 0.453, ranking #154 out of 175 countries. This places Myanmar significantly below the global average, reflecting challenges that are more pronounced than in neighboring Thailand, which has a much higher index. Key drivers of this low ranking include prolonged political instability, economic sanctions, and limited access to education and healthcare, which have hindered overall human development in the country.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria ranked #54 globally with a Human Development Index value of 0.769 in 2004. This places Bulgaria above the global average, reflecting its progress in education and life expectancy compared to lower-ranked countries. Key drivers of this statistic include Bulgaria's transition to a market economy, which has fostered improvements in living standards and access to healthcare, alongside significant investments in education following its EU accession in 2007.
Analysis & Context
The Human Development Index in 2004 was led by Norway with a value of 0.937, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 0.29 to a maximum of 0.94. The average HDI across 175 countries was 0.67, providing a snapshot of global development disparities.
Economic Wealth and Human Development
The top performers in the 2004 Human Development Index share a common trait: substantial economic wealth. Countries like Norway (0.937), Iceland (0.928), and Germany (0.923) benefit from robust economies that support high standards of living, comprehensive healthcare systems, and accessible education. These factors are crucial as the HDI combines health, education, and income indicators to assess development levels. In contrast, nations at the lower end of the scale, such as Niger (0.292) and Ethiopia (0.331), often struggle with economic challenges that impede their ability to enhance these sectors significantly.
Geographic and Demographic Influences
Geographic and demographic factors also play a significant role in influencing HDI scores. Scandinavian countries like Norway, Iceland, and Finland (0.911) benefit from low population densities and cohesive social policies that effectively distribute resources. In contrast, countries such as Chad (0.338) and the Central African Republic (0.342) face geographic challenges, including landlocked locations and harsh climates, which complicate economic development and infrastructure expansion.
Policy and Governance Impact
The role of policy and governance cannot be underestimated in shaping HDI outcomes. Nations with proactive and inclusive governance, such as New Zealand (0.912) and Denmark (0.912), demonstrate how effective policies can enhance quality of life and public welfare. Conversely, countries like Burundi (0.344) and Mali (0.359), often experience political instability, which disrupts development efforts and impacts their HDI scores negatively.
Year-over-Year Changes and Trends
The year-over-year changes in HDI underscore dynamic shifts in development. Countries such as Iraq and Rwanda both saw increases of 0.02, reflecting significant improvements in their respective socio-economic contexts. Chad also experienced a notable enhancement, with a 5.6% increase, indicating progress in certain sectors despite its lower overall ranking. On the other hand, Sri Lanka and Sweden experienced decreases of 0.02, pointing to specific challenges or policy shifts that may have temporarily hindered their development metrics. These fluctuations highlight the importance of continuous policy adaptation and economic resilience in maintaining or improving HDI scores.
In conclusion, the Human Development Index in 2004 paints a complex picture of global development, influenced by economic wealth, geographic and demographic factors, and governance quality. While top countries showcase the benefits of comprehensive socio-economic strategies, those at the bottom reveal the ongoing challenges faced by nations striving to improve their development outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Development Index in 2004
Which country had the highest Human Development Index in 2004?
Norway had the highest Human Development Index in 2004 with a value of 0.94.
Which country had the lowest Human Development Index in 2004?
Niger had the lowest Human Development Index in 2004 with a value of 0.29.
What was the average Human Development Index value in 2004?
The average Human Development Index value in 2004 was 0.67.
What was the median Human Development Index value in 2004?
The median Human Development Index value in 2004 was 0.7.
How many countries were included in the Human Development Index dataset for 2004?
The Human Development Index dataset for 2004 included 175 countries.
Which countries were in the top 3 for the Human Development Index in 2004?
The top 3 countries for the Human Development Index in 2004 were Norway, Iceland, and Germany.
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, 2004. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/human-development-index/2004
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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