What do the letters HDI represent? Name the three variables used to calculate the HDI - Leaving Cert Geography - Question A - 2010

The three variables used to calculate the HDI are:

1. Life expectancy at birth (health)
2. Education level (based on mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling)
3. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (standard of living)

Ireland falls into the 'Very High Human Development' category of the HDI, with a value typically ranging from 0.90 to 1.00, indicating a high standard of living and well-developed social systems.

The HDI for Africa is low due to several factors. Many African nations face significant challenges such as health crises (e.g., epidemics like HIV/AIDS), poor access to quality education, and lower income levels. Additionally, conflicts, political instability, and economic underdevelopment hinder growth and advancement in these areas. As a result, these factors collectively contribute to the overall low HDI in many African countries.

GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It is a monetary measure that represents the market value of all final goods and services produced in a specific time period within a country's borders, serving as a broad measure of overall economic activity.