The most recent Human Development Report (HDR), prepared by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), corresponding to the period 2023-2024, reflects a slight global recovery after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although progress is slower than expected, Chile maintains its leadership in Latin America, obtaining the best historical score in this measurement.
The HDI analyzes progress in life expectancy, education and income. After GDP, it is one of the most widely used measures of development worldwide. For this new edition, Chile ranks 45th and is positioned within the "very high" human development group, above all its Latin American peers.
Health, education and income: pillars of development
One of the most outstanding aspects of the report is life expectancy at birth in Chile, which reaches 81.2 years, the highest in the region, surpassing countries such as Uruguay and Costa Rica.
In education, Chile leads the region in terms of the average number of years actually completed, with 11.3 years. This indicator reflects not only access to education, but also permanence in the school system, a key factor for the development of skills and opportunities in the long term.
In terms of income, Chile's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity, stands at US$28,047. Although Panama (US$34,385) and Uruguay (US$28,650) present slightly higher figures, Chile surpasses both in the HDI thanks to its better performance in health and education, consolidating a more balanced development.
Chile also stands out in the environmental component of the report. With territorial emissions of 3.9 tons of CO₂ per capita and an emissions per production index of 0.944, indicating a low environmental pressure relative to its level of economic development. This performance is a reflection of public policies aimed at sustainability and energy transition. These values place it among the most efficient in Latin America.
Advances in gender equality
Another important milestone is Chile's ranking in the Gender Inequality Index (GII), where it reaches 33rd place worldwide. This position highlights the country's progress in political participation, reproductive health and women's economic empowerment.
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