LocationsWith a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.802, Seychelles secured 67th position out of 193 nations, firmly establishing itself among the countries in the very high human development category.
Human Development Report 2023/2024: A Snapshot of Trends for Seychelles
March 21, 2024
On 13 March 2024, UNDP released the 2023/2024 edition of the global Human Development Report under the theme "Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world”. With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.802, Seychelles secured 67th position out of 193 nations, firmly establishing itself among the countries in the very high human development category. This blog highlights Seychelles' resilient Human Development Index (HDI), emphasizing its holistic approach to development, including maternal healthcare, gender representation, and addressing disparities, to foster an equitable society.
Human development trends in Seychelles
In recent years, Seychelles experienced fluctuations in its Human Development Index (HDI) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While initially classified within the very high development index category, the HDI declined slightly to a high development index category in 2020 and 2021. However, Seychelles has shown resilience and progress, as evidenced by its return to the very high human development category in 2022. These shifts reflect the nation's adaptability and its unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.
Seychelles sets a commendable benchmark in maternal healthcare, underscored by a remarkably low maternal mortality ratio of 3 deaths per 100,000 live births. This not only sets a global standard but also underscores the nation's steadfast commitment to safeguarding the well-being of mothers and infants. This remarkable feat underscores an impressive investment in women's health and reproductive rights.
While Seychelles has the highest Gender Development Index (GDI) globally, the country has persistent gender disparities. Women tend to outperform men across various dimensions, for instance education and life-expectancy. On the other hand, gender parity in political representation remains a challenge, with women occupying only 22% of parliamentary seats. Bridging the gender divide holds the potential to foster equitable governance and drive sustainable development.
Accounting for inequality in human development
Despite Seychelles' commendable Human Development Index (HDI), the nation grapples with entrenched inequalities and multidimensional poverty, posing significant barriers to progress. The Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) reveals a 10.8% loss in human development attributed to inequality, supporting the decisive policy interventions of the Government. With the wealthiest 1% claiming an income share surpassing 20%, addressing systemic disparities emerges as an urgent imperative. By confronting these inequalities head-on, Seychelles can aspire to foster a more equitable and inclusive society, enabling every individual to flourish and contribute to the nation's advancement. While income poverty diminishes to below 1%, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) indicates room for improvement in health, education, and living standards. As Seychelles charts its course towards inclusive growth in line with Vision 2033, addressing both inequality and multidimensional poverty will be pivotal in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all its citizens.
Charting a Course Towards Inclusive Growth
As Seychelles navigates through the currents of human development, challenges coexist alongside triumphs. Yet, the nation stands poised at the precipice of progress, fortified with resilience and determination. By embracing a holistic approach to development, Seychelles can chart a course through inequality, gender disparities, and multidimensional poverty, steering towards an inclusive future where every individual thrives and contributes to the collective prosperity of the nation.
For additional insights, refer to the Country Note for Seychelles here.
Read the full Human Development Report here.
