The HDI (Human Development Index) is a composite index developed by the United Nations to measure a country’s human development by taking into account three fundamental dimensions: health (life expectancy), education (school enrollment rate and educational attainment), and standard of living (gross national income per capita). This index is used to assess the overall well-being of the population and to compare countries with each other.
Saudi Arabia HDI
Saudi Arabia, as an oil-rich nation, has made significant progress in human development over the past decades. Saudi Arabia’s index is in the category of countries with very high human development. However, several challenges and inequalities remain.
Education and Health
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in education and health infrastructure. The literacy rate is high, especially among the younger generations. Women have also benefited from better education, although gender gaps still exist in some areas. Recent reforms have led to better access to education and a stronger presence of women in the education sector.
In the health sector, life expectancy has increased significantly, with quality health services in urban areas. However, reliance on modern medical treatments and imported health technologies remain challenges, especially in rural areas.
Economy and Living Standards
Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East thanks to its vast oil reserves. This has allowed for rapid development of infrastructure, including housing, transportation, and modern cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Gross national income per capita is high, but there are disparities between urban and rural areas, and a large portion of the workforce still depends on the oil sector.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. This includes investments in tourism, technology, and renewable energy. However, the implementation of these reforms is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen how much they can transform the economy in the long term.
Challenges to overcome
Despite significant progress, Saudi Arabia faces challenges regarding gender equality, civil liberties, and economic diversification. Economic inequalities between different regions of the country, particularly between large cities and more rural areas, are also a concern.
In addition, while the country has made strides in improving access to education and healthcare, the government still needs to address youth unemployment and the need to reform the labor market to provide more opportunities for Saudi citizens, while regulating reliance on foreign workers.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia ranks among the countries with very high human development, but it continues to face challenges in improving social inclusion and diversifying its economy. Implementing Vision 2030 reforms could play a crucial role in improving the country’s HDI in the long term.
