Indicators of Economic Development

Measurement of economic development and express in definite index is very difficult task in economics. So many opinions are found to indicate level of economic development of a nation. However, some common and popular indicators that used to measure development are discussed below:

Volume of Per Capita Income

Per Capita Income is first and most important indicators of economic development of a nation. It is commonly used by all nations in the world along with UN while measuring economic position of the nation. The PCI of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is less than $400. There are 49 countries LDCs across the globe.

Rise in Factor Productivity

Development means rise in production and productivity of factors of production. Productivity implies increased per unit of production of factors of production land, labor, capital and organization in terms of rent, wages, interest and profit.

Rise in Living Standard

Another indicator of development is living standard of common people which should go on rising to higher levels. The very objective of development is to provide better life to people. It refers to increase in average consumption level of individual and society.

Physical Quality of Life Index

Physical Quality of Life Index is a common indicator of development. It is computed from life expectancy at birth, infant mortality rate and literacy rate of a country. If people live longer and are literate, PQLI value will be high. It is measured in scale of 1 to 100.

Human Development Index

The Human Development Index as an indicator was introduced by UNDP in the World Human Development Report in 1990. Since then, it has been the most popular indicator of development. Its range of measurement is in between 0 to 1.


Poverty Alleviation and Inequality Reduction

As a nation develops, poverty must be reduced and the gap between the rich and poor must be narrowed down . Poverty limits opportunities of common people to uplift their life. It weakens their income earning capability. Their access to health, education and skill development is most essential to minimize poverty rate.