The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite indicator that measures a country’s overall development. It takes into account three key dimensions: health (measured by life expectancy at birth), education (level of education and enrollment rate), and standard of living (gross national income per capita). Jordan, a small kingdom located in the heart of the Middle East, has made notable progress in human development, but continues to face several socio-economic and political challenges.
1. Evolution of the HDI in Jordan
Jordan ranks among the countries with high human development. Over the decades, the country has made significant progress in education, health, and infrastructure, while maintaining modest economic growth. However, despite these advances, Jordan faces several challenges, particularly due to its geopolitical location and regional crises, such as the war in Syria and the massive influx of refugees, which have put pressure on its public resources and services.
Jordan’s HDI has improved overall, but challenges remain, including unemployment, poverty and wealth distribution. The country also faces social and regional inequalities, with notable differences between Amman (the capital) and rural areas or the northern and eastern regions of the country.
2. Education in Jordan
Education is one of the sectors in which Jordan has made notable progress. The country has invested in primary and secondary education, providing universal and free access. The literacy rate is high, with full primary enrollment and high participation of girls in education. In addition, Jordan has a well-developed higher education system, with several internationally recognized universities.
Jordanian women also enjoy better access to education compared to other countries in the region. The country has made significant progress in reducing gender inequalities in education, although challenges remain in ensuring greater representation of women in some professional fields.
However, the Jordanian education system faces challenges in terms of the quality of education and the relevance of acquired skills to the demands of the labor market. Many young graduates struggle to find employment, leading to high unemployment, particularly among youth and women.
3. Health in Jordan
In terms of health, Jordan has made significant progress over the past few decades. Life expectancy at birth is high, reaching around 80 years, reflecting improved living conditions and access to care. The country has a relatively well-developed health care network, with modern hospitals and health services accessible to a large part of the population.
Access to healthcare is generally good in major cities, but remains uneven in rural areas, where health infrastructure is more limited. In addition, while basic healthcare is widely available, the cost of specialized treatments and medications remains a challenge for some segments of the population.
Jordan has also been an important player in regional healthcare, particularly for Syrian refugees and other vulnerable populations. The country has hosted a large number of refugees, which has had a direct impact on its health resources, increasing demand for existing services.
4. Jordan’s Standard of Living and Economy
Jordan’s economy is relatively modest in terms of natural resources, which pushes the country to rely on sectors such as services, tourism, telecommunications, and light manufacturing. Gross national income per capita has fluctuated over the years, but Jordan remains a middle-income country.
Jordan, however, suffers from a heavy reliance on energy imports, which puts pressure on its public finances. The country has also had to deal with the economic consequences of regional crises, such as the war in Syria, which have disrupted trade and led to refugee influxes.
Unemployment is one of the most serious economic problems, particularly among youth and women. In addition, Jordan faces significant economic challenges, including increasing poverty, income inequality, and rising public debt. The Jordanian government has implemented reforms to improve the economic environment, but the results have been moderate, due to external and internal pressures.
5. Social and Political Challenges
Jordan has faced many political and social challenges over the years. The country has experienced periods of instability, particularly during the Arab Spring in 2011, although Jordan has managed to avoid the massive unrest seen in other countries in the region. Nevertheless, calls for social, economic and political reforms persist.
A key social challenge remains economic inequality, which is manifested in the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities. Furthermore, although Jordan has made significant progress in women’s rights and equality, gender inequalities persist in some areas, particularly in the labour market.
The country is also facing demographic pressure caused by the influx of refugees, particularly from Syria, which is straining the state’s limited resources and complicating the management of public services, education and healthcare.
Conclusion
Jordan continues to rank among the countries with high human development, with a relatively strong HDI compared to other countries in the region. However, challenges remain in the areas of unemployment, poverty, economic inequality, and social tensions. To maintain and improve its HDI, Jordan will need to address these challenges through economic and social reforms, while managing the effects of the refugee crisis and consolidating political and social stability.
