The Netherlands has been awarded fifth place in the 2015 Human Development Report, out of 188 countries and territories.

This ranking is based on three main indicators: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.

Compared to 1980, the Dutch are living longer, study longer and have a higher average income.

Human Development Index

The ranking is based on a score generated by the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI value for 2014 is 0,922, which puts the Netherlands in the very high human development category and ranking it fifth out of 188 countries.

17 percent increase since 1980

Between 1980 and 2014, the HDI value for the Netherlands increased from 0,787 to 0,922, an increase of 17,1 percent or an average annual increase of about 0,47 percent.

During the same period, the Dutch life expectancy at birth increased by 5,9 years, mean years of schooling increased by 2,6 years and expected years of schooling increased by 5 years. The gross national income per capita increased by about 61,1 percent between 1980 and 2014.

Slightly lower ranking than in 2014

In 2014, the Netherlands was ranked fourth, which means it dropped one spot this year and was overtaken by Denmark that went from tenth to fourth place.

2015 Human Development Index Top 10

1) Norway (-)
2) Australia (-)
3) Switzerland (-)
4) Denmark (+6)
5) The Netherlands (-1)
6) Germany (-)
7) Ireland (+5)
8) United States (-3)
9) Canada (-1)
10) New Zealand (-2)

The full report for the Netherlands can be read here.