11.3.1—Development classification

Development is a broad improvement in material living standards, health, education, capabilities and economic security. Classification systems group economies using income, human-development or structural indicators, but each has a purpose and limitation.

A single label can hide regional, gender or rural differences. Compare the indicator, threshold, date and population covered before drawing a conclusion.

Two economies with similar income per person may differ greatly in life expectancy or schooling; one may be more developed on a human-capability measure even if the income rank is similar.

Development is not identical to growth, and a classification is not a complete judgement about every household’s welfare.