The Social Progress Index is a metric that measures progress through fulfillment of basic human needs (rather than traditional indicators of economic growth).
First released in 2013, the Social Progress Index (SPI) measures a comprehensive array of components of social and environmental performance, aggregating them into an overall framework.
The index, which covers about 99% of the world’s population, was designed by a team led by Michael Green, a Harvard Business School professor, and ranks these social and environmental measures that underline well-being and opportunity.
“The Social Progress Index shows that countries with similar levels of GDP can have very different levels of social progress,” Green said.
One example: Costa Rica and Thailand rank 59th and 58th in the world in GDP, respectively. However, Thailand ranks 57th in the world on the SPI whereas Costa Rica ranks 29th due in large part to significantly higher ratings in personal safety, personal rights, and tolerance and inclusion.
SEE ALSO: New Zealand Tops New Ranking Of The World's Most Socially Progressive Countries
#16 The United States
2014 ranking: #16
GDP ranking: 6th
In terms of meeting basic human needs, the US ranked 21st overall, including 6th in Shelter. In nutrition and basic medical care, however, the US lagged behind at 39th.
The country ranked 8th overall in Opportunity and 1st in Access to Higher Education. But in terms of personal freedom and personal rights, the US ranked only 15th and 24th, respectively.
The US ranked particularly poorly in overall well-being: 68th in Health and Wellness and 74th in Ecosystem Sustainability.
#15 Japan
2014 ranking: #14
GDP ranking: 20th
Japan ranked 1st in Access to Basic Education and 4th in Shelter, but lagged in Air, Water, and Sanitation (21st), Nutrition (17th), and Health and Wellness (19th). It also ranked 67th in Ecosystem Sustainability.
The country performs well in Personal Rights, where it ranked 5th, but ranked 21st in Personal Freedom and Choice, 42nd in Tolerance and Inclusion, and 19th in Access to Advanced Education.
#14 Germany
2014 ranking: #12
GDP ranking: 11th
Germany ranked 1st in Water and Sanitation, 10th in Shelter, and 12th overall in meeting Basic Human Needs. The economic giant ranked 50th in Heath and Wellness, however, and 24th in Ecosystem Sustainability.
The country underperformed in Opportunity, where it ranked 16th overall; it was 28th in Personal Rights and 18th in Equity and Inclusion. The country ranked better (13th) in both Access to Higher Education and Personal Freedom and Choice.
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