In 2021, South Africa scored 0.71 in the Human Development Index (HDI), which indicated a high level of development. The country experienced a drop in the HDI score compared to the previous year, which was 0.73. However, an improvement was recorded from 2005 onwards. At that year, South Africa's score was 0.63, meaning that the country had a medium human development. The categorization changed from medium to high in 2013.
Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021
Figures have been rounded. Data may differ from the original three-decimal scores.
The Human Development Index is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development — a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.
Countries are grouped into four categories based on their HDI score.
Very high human development: 0.800 and above
High human development: 0.700-0.799
Medium human development: 0.550-0.699
Low human development: Below 0.550
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UNDP. (September 8, 2022). Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/
UNDP. "Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021." Chart. September 8, 2022. Statista. Accessed November 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/
UNDP. (2022). Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/
UNDP. "Human Development Index Score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021." Statista, Statista Inc., 8 Sep 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/
UNDP, Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/ (last visited November 12, 2024)
Human development index score of South Africa from 2000 to 2021 [Graph], UNDP, September 8, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236017/human-development-index-of-south-africa/
