United States
North America · North America
World's largest economy: huge income potential, expensive healthcare, no statutory paid leave.
At a Glance
📈United States's Human Development Index
0.927
Very High human development#20 of 191 countries worldwide, #2 of 23 in North America.
Higher than 90% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →United States
The United States is a continental country of enormous geographic and cultural variety, from the national parks of the west and the bayous of Louisiana to the bright density of New York and the quietness of small-town New England. The culture is outwardly open and optimistic, with a generosity and directness in everyday interaction that makes it easy to connect. Those who travel beyond the major cities and allow the country's actual scale and diversity to register will find an experience far richer than the familiar image suggests.
- Only developed country in the world without universal healthcare.
- Has more private guns than people — roughly 120 firearms per 100 residents.
- Spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined.
Quick Facts
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Language
English
Currency
$ USD
Area
9.15M km²
Nomad Hub
Fixed Broadband
308Mbps
Mobile
212Mbps
GDP / Capita
$90K
PPP / Capita
$90K
Inflation
2.9%
Unemployment
4.2%
Innovation (GII)
61.7
GNI / Capita
$89K
Tax Revenue
10.8%
FDI Inflows
1.3%
Education Spend
5.4%
Cost of Living
68.8
Price Level Index
3rd pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1990
0.875 → 0.927 (+0.052)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 33 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
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💬Quick answers
What is United States's Human Development Index?
United States's Human Development Index is 0.927 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #20 of 191 countries.
How expensive is United States?
Numbeo's cost-of-living index puts United States at 68.8 (New York = 100); that is #129 cheapest of 143 countries with data.
What is life expectancy in United States?
Life expectancy at birth in United States is 78.9 yrs (World Bank), ranked #47 of 195 countries.
What is the quality of life in United States?
Numbeo's quality-of-life index scores United States at 186.0, ranked #15 of 87 countries with data. It composites purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, commute and pollution from resident surveys, so it reflects what residents report rather than what an economy produces.