The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. It was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1990 to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, rather than purely economic growth. HDI provides a broader understanding of well-being and quality of life, moving beyond traditional economic measures. By focusing on health, education, and income, the HDI aims to highlight disparities in human development and encourage policies that promote equitable growth and social progress.