Usefulness and Limtations of each indicator

Gross Domestic Product

Useful: Shows size of economy, Can be compared to other countries, easy to use numerical date

Limitations: Dosent show distribution, No measure of Education or health, No show of quality of life, Large population can lead to a higher GDP even if people there are not wealthy

Gross National Income

Useful: Gives average wealth, useful to access the standard of living

Limitations: Only an average so it hides inequality, Does not show healthcare or education

Literacy Rate

Useful: Shows access to education, easy to compare to other countries, show future employment opportunities

Limitations: Does not show quality of education, no measure of income

Life expectancy, Infant mortality rate, Doctors per person

Useful: Gives indication of healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, clean water availability, living conditions

Limitation: Rural areas may have fewer doctors then cities, ignores nurses and medications, no measure of WHY a indicator is high or low

Calorie Intake

Useful: Indication of food security and availability, shows access to sufficient foods

Limitation: no measure of healthiness of food, only an average, high intake does not always mean healthy

Human development index

Useful: Combines several indicators, broader measure of development, easy to compare

Limitations: Still only an average, can hide inequality, no inclusion of political freedom, happiness or natural enviroments