The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries by level of "human development" according to three dimensions: health, education, and living standards. It provides a frame of reference for both social and economic development of a country, ranging from 0 (zero development) to 1 (highest level of development). Out of the countries found within the Himalaya Hindu Kush region, China ranks the highest on the Human Development Index (101st). Afghanistan is the lowest (172nd). A total of 187 countries are surveyed. Afghanistan, which is emerging from 22 years of conflict, has a HDI of 0.398. This country is one of the poorest and least developed of the world that is highly dependent on foreign aid. About 35% of its population is unemployed and lives below the poverty line, suffering from shortages of housing, clean drinking water, and electricity. On the other hand, China has the highest HDI of the HKH region. It is, since 2010, the second largest economy, and the world's largest exporter.

Year: 2012

From collection: Himalaya Climate Change Adaptation Programme

Cartographer: Hugo Ahlenius, Nordpil