Brazil Retains Position in UN’s Human Development Index – 79th in World

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil has made progress but will face new challenges in 2020. According to the 2019 Human Development Report, which measured the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2019, based on data from 2018, Brazil has succeeded in controlling certain inequalities (life expectancy and average income) but will face new challenges.

Brazil remained in the 79th global position – the same ranking as in 2018 -, tied with Colombia. Brazil ranks fourth in Latin America, behind Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The index increased 0.001 points over the previous year.

“It is important to note the growth in the HDI. The index is relative and also undergoes changes in other countries, which may rise or decline. It is important to note progress. My rating is positive. Brazil continues to make progress, although the economy has performed worse than expected. Brazil’s growth is solid, positive and sustained,” said the UN director of Human Development, Pedro Conceição.

This year’s study introduces some new features. Among them, changes in the methodology for assessing the quality of life of citizens in the 189 countries analyzed. “The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is introducing new ideas to [measure] development. This means breaking paradigms. We want to change the perception of progress and development from the perspective of income, from the perspective of averages, and that it is possible to wait until the last moment to make decisions. Development is multidimensional, and averages can hide inequalities. This hinders progress,” said Betina Ferraz Barbosa, the report’s coordinator.

Source: Agência Brasil