Lebanon ranks 10th in the Arab human development index

Lebanon has ranked among the top 10 Arab countries in human development, according to the United Nations Development Programme’s latest Human Development Report.

In its 33rd Human Development Report, titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World,” the UNDP classified Lebanon within the “high human development” category, assigning the country a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.752 for 2023.

Where Lebanon stands globally and regionally

With this score, Lebanon ranks 102nd out of 193 countries worldwide and 10th among Arab nations, placing it ahead of the Arab regional average. The HDI measures development across three core dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. Lebanon’s performance reflects relatively strong social indicators, particularly when compared with countries in the same region.

According to the report, Lebanon’s life expectancy stands at 77.8 years. The average years of schooling reach 10.4 years, while expected years of schooling stand at 11.7 years. These figures point to sustained investment in human capital, even as public services continue to deteriorate. Economically, Lebanon recorded a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $15,825 (PPP), significantly higher than the Arab regional average of $11,299, though still below the global average of $20,327.

Resilience amid crisis

The UNDP findings underscore a paradox that has come to define Lebanon in recent years: structural resilience in human development indicators amid systemic economic collapse. While the country has experienced sharp declines in income, currency value, and institutional trust since 2019, long-standing investments in education, healthcare, and social networks continue to cushion the impact.

AI, global gridlock, and slowing progress

Beyond country rankings, the report highlights broader global trends. It warns that global HDI growth remains sluggish, largely due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and successive global crises. Nearly 40% of surveyed respondents believe HDI growth in 2024 will be the slowest recorded since 1990.

The report also highlights the rapid rise of artificial intelligence as a transformational force. Around 20% of respondents already use AI, while nearly two-thirds expect to adopt it within the next year. Most participants view AI not merely as a tool for automation, but as a means of enhancing human capabilities, particularly in education, healthcare, and productivity sectors critical for developing countries.

Regional and global leaders

At the top of the global HDI rankings is Iceland, with a score of 0.972, followed by Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, and Germany. Within the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates leads the region, ranking 15th globally, followed by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.

For Lebanon, the ranking offers a rare moment of cautious optimism. It highlights the country’s enduring human capital while underscoring the urgency of protecting it before resilience gives way to regression.