The most recent Human Development Report ( HDR), prepared by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the 2023–2024 period, shows a slight global recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although progress has been slower than expected, Chile maintains its leadership position in Latin America and has also achieved its highest-ever score on this measure.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures progress in life expectancy, education, and income. After GDP, it is one of the most widely used measures of development worldwide. In this latest edition, Chile ranks 45th and is classified in the “very high” human development index group, ahead of all its Latin American peers.
Health, education and income: pillars of development
One of the most outstanding aspects of the report is life expectancy at birth in Chile, which reaches 81.2 years, the highest in the region, surpassing countries such as Uruguay and Costa Rica.
In education, Chile leads the region in terms of the average number of years actually completed, with 11.3 years. This indicator reflects not only access to education, but also permanence in the school system, a key factor for the development of skills and opportunities in the long term.
In terms of income, Chile’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity, stands at US$28,047. Although Panama (US$34,385) and Uruguay (US$28,650) have slightly higher figures, Chile outperforms both countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) thanks to its stronger performance in health and education, reflecting a more balanced development.
Chile also stands out in the environmental component of the report. With territorial emissions of 3.9 tons of CO₂ per capita and an emissions per production index of 0.944, indicating a low environmental pressure relative to its level of economic development. This performance is a reflection of public policies aimed at sustainability and energy transition. These values place it among the most efficient in Latin America.
Advances in gender equality
Another important milestone is Chile's ranking in the Gender Inequality Index (GII), where it reaches 33rd place worldwide. This position highlights the country's progress in political participation, reproductive health and women's economic empowerment.
