What are development indicators?

Development indicators are a method used to measure how developed a country or region is. Development indicators can then be used to compare levels of development between countries or regions.

What are economic development indicators?

Economic indicators measure development through financial and industrial means. Examples of economic development indicators include:

  • GDP
  • GNP
  • Economic structure (the % of GDP that comes from different sectors e.g. primary, secondary and tertiary industries)

Find out about the reliability of economic indicators here.

What are social development indicators?

Social indicators measure development through non-financial and economic means. Examples of social development indicators include:

  • Literacy rate
  • Life expectancy
  • Birth rate
  • People per doctor

Find out more about how social development is measured here.




Summary

  • Definition of Development Indicators

    Development indicators are measures used to assess and compare how developed different countries or regions are.

  • Purpose of Indicators

    They provide a way to compare levels of development between places using standardised data.

  • Economic Indicators

    Economic development is measured through financial and industrial data that reflects a country’s economy.

  • GDP and GNP

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are key economic indicators used to measure development.

  • Economic Structure

    The proportion of GDP generated by primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors helps indicate a country’s level of development.

  • Social Indicators

    Development can also be measured through social factors such as literacy rate, life expectancy, birth rate, and the number of people per doctor.

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