The United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and having a decent standard of living.

The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone.

As we look at the map of North America below, we see something that may be surprising: the poorest, least educated, and unhealthiest parts of the United States tend to vote for political candidates that keep them poor, ignorant, and physically sick.