The Human Development Index (HDI) is a widely used measure of a country's development that takes into account multiple dimensions of well-being, including health, education, and standard of living [1]. Despite progress in recent years, many countries still face significant challenges in achieving high human development, particularly those that are classified as low- or middle-income countries [1]. Sierra Leone and India are two such countries that have struggled to achieve high levels of human development. Sierra Leone is a small West African country that ranks among the lowest in the world on the HDI, with a score of 0.438 in 2019 [2]. India, on the other hand, is a vast South Asian country with a rapidly growing economy, but it also faces challenges in achieving high human development, with an HDI score of 0.645 in 2019 [2,3]. Cross-national analyses of the HDI scores of Sierra Leone and India have been conducted in the past, but there is a need for a more updated overview of the observations and trends in both countries. This analysis aims to provide such an overview, highlighting the similarities and differences in the HDI scores of Sierra Leone and India and identifying the factors that have influenced their respective HDI scores. By examining the HDI trends in Sierra Leone and India, this analysis seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for achieving higher levels of human development in low- and middle-income countries.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure that assesses the well-being of individuals in a country, based on indicators such as life expectancy, education, and income. It has become a widely accepted measure of development, with many countries using it to evaluate their progress toward achieving human development goals. This literature review aims to compare the HDI of Sierra Leone and India and analyse the factors that contribute to their respective scores.

Human Development Index and National Development

The Human Development Index (HDI) is widely regarded as an essential measure of national development. The HDI was first introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1990 to provide a more comprehensive measure of development beyond just economic growth. The HDI combines three indicators - life expectancy at birth, education, and gross national income per capita - to provide a composite score for countries [3]. Many scholars argue that the HDI is a better measure of development than purely economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For example, Sen [4] argues that development should be measured in terms of the capabilities and opportunities available to individuals, rather than just economic growth. The HDI is in line with this perspective, as it takes into account indicators beyond just economic output. Furthermore, the HDI has been shown to be positively correlated with a range of other development indicators, such as reductions in poverty, improvements in health, and increased access to education [5]. This suggests that the HDI can act as an antidote to national development by providing a more comprehensive measure of development and facilitating policy decisions that prioritize investments in human capital. Similarly, a study by Hossain and [6] found that the HDI was an effective tool for evaluating the impact of social policies in Bangladesh. The authors found that improvements in the education and health dimensions of the HDI were associated with increased social welfare, reduced poverty, and improved economic outcomes. Moreover, the HDI has been used to inform policy decisions in developed countries as well. For instance, a study by and [7] found that the HDI was an important factor in determining foreign aid allocation by OECD countries. The authors found that countries with lower HDI scores were more likely to receive aid, suggesting that the HDI is an important tool for determining aid allocation based on socioeconomic needs. However, some critics have argued that the HDI has limitations, such as its focus on averages and the neglect of inequalities within a country [8] Nevertheless, the HDI remains a widely recognized and utilized measure of national development and has influenced policy decisions across the globe [41].

In summary, the literature suggests that the HDI is a valuable tool for policymakers in both developed and developing countries. The HDI can help to identify areas that require investment and attention, evaluate the impact of social policies, and inform policy decisions related to foreign aid allocation. The findings of these studies highlight the socio-economic relevance of the HDI as a comprehensive measure of development [9-11].

Dimensions of the Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure of human development that takes into account three dimensions: health, education, and income [41]. This section examines each dimension of the HDI and how they contribute to overall human development.

Health Dimension of the Human Development Index

The health dimension of the HDI is measured by life expectancy at birth [41] Studies have consistently shown a positive relationship between life expectancy and overall human development. For example, a study by Rajaratnam et al. [12] found that life expectancy was a strong predictor of overall well-being, as it was positively associated with improvements in education and income levels. The relationship between HDI and health outcomes has been extensively studied in the literature. According to Alkire and Foster [13], improvements in HDI are strongly associated with reductions in child mortality rates. Additionally, Sen [14] found that increases in HDI were associated with longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality rates, and reduced rates of malnutrition.

The importance of the health dimension of HDI in driving overall improvements in HDI has also been highlighted in the literature. Kalmus et al [15]. found that improvements in life expectancy at birth were a crucial factor in driving overall improvements in HDI in several countries, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Several studies have also explored the relationship between specific health indicators and HDI. For instance, Alwan et al. [16] found that improvements in HDI were associated with lower rates of maternal mortality. Murray et al. [17] found that increases in HDI were associated with reductions in the burden of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. In summary, the literature consistently demonstrates a strong positive correlation between HDI and health outcomes. Investing in health and development can lead to better health outcomes and reduced mortality rates, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in improving human well-being [18,19,17,14].

Education Dimension of the Human Development Index

The education dimension of the HDI is measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling [41]. Studies have shown that education is a key determinant of human development. A study by Gatti and Jaimovich [20] found that improvements in education were associated with improved health outcomes, higher levels of productivity, and increased access to economic opportunities. In addition to this, studies have consistently shown a strong positive correlation between HDI and educational outcomes. For example, a study by -Claros and Zahidi [21] found that countries with higher HDI scores tended to have higher literacy rates, higher enrolment rates in primary and secondary education, and higher levels of educational attainment. Other studies have also explored the relationship between specific educational indicators and HDI. For instance, a study by Baland and Robinson [21] found that improvements in HDI were associated with increased investment in education, which in turn led to higher enrolment rates in primary education. Furthermore, research has shown that improvements in the education dimension of HDI are a crucial factor in driving overall improvements in HDI. A study by Dreze and Sen [14] found that improvements in literacy rates and educational attainment had a significant impact on overall improvements in HDI in several countries, including India and Bangladesh. Overall, the literature suggests that there is a strong positive relationship between HDI and educational outcomes. Improvements in HDI, particularly in the education dimension, are associated with higher literacy rates, higher enrollment rates, and higher levels of educational attainment. The findings of these studies highlight the importance of investing in education as a means of improving overall human well-being [21-23]

Income Dimension of the Human Development Index

Finally, the income dimension of the HDI is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. The income dimension is important as it reflects the economic opportunities available to individuals within a country. Research has shown that economic development is closely tied to human development, as improvements in economic well-being can lead to increased access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. A study by Kakwani and Neri [24] found that economic growth was associated with improved well-being in several countries, including China and India. The income dimension of the HDI is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Studies have consistently shown a positive relationship between income and overall human development. For example, a study by Pritchett and summers [25] found that increases in GNI per capita were associated with improvements in life expectancy and literacy rates. Moreover, the income dimension of the HDI is also closely tied to poverty reduction. A study by Dollar and Kraay [22] found that increases in income were associated with reduced poverty rates in developing countries. Similarly, a study by [5] found that increases in income were associated with reduced gender inequality in education and health outcomes.

However, some studies have also highlighted the limitations of using income as a measure of human development. A study by Sen [14] argued that income alone cannot capture the complex social and political factors that contribute to human development, and that measures such as the HDI are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of development. In summary, the literature suggests that the income dimension of the HDI is an important measure of human development, as increases in income are associated with improvements in health, education, and poverty reduction. However, income alone cannot capture the complex social and political factors that contribute to human development, and measures such as the HDI are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of development [22,5,25,14].

HDI Impact on Standard Of Living

Studies have consistently shown a strong positive correlation between HDI and standard of living. For example, a study by Ali and Son [26] found that countries with higher HDI scores tended to have higher levels of economic development and higher standards of living. Similarly, a study by Tostensen et al. [26] found that improvements in HDI were associated with increased access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. Also, research has shown that improvements in the income dimension of HDI are a crucial factor in driving overall improvements in HDI. A study by Anand and Sen [27] found that improvements in GNI per capita had a significant impact on overall improvements in HDI in several countries, including Brazil and Thailand. Other studies have also explored the relationship between specific economic indicators and HDI. For instance, a study by Tsani et al. [29] found that improvements in HDI were associated with lower levels of poverty and inequality. Similarly, a study by Chatterjee and Chakrabarty [30] found that increases in HDI were associated with improvements in housing conditions and access to basic amenities. Moreover, another study by Nayak and Mahesh [31] found that there was a positive correlation between HDI and the standard of living in India. The study further indicated that improved education and health contributed significantly to the standard of living in India. Furthermore, a study by Akram and Hussain [31] examined the impact of HDI on the standard of living in Bangladesh. The study found that HDI had a positive and significant effect on the standard of living in Bangladesh. Specifically, the study found that improvements in health and education had a significant impact on the standard of living In contrast, a study by Thapa and Neupane [31] found that there was no significant relationship between HDI and the standard of living in Nepal. The study suggested that the lack of progress in education and health may have contributed to the absence of a significant relationship.

Overall, the literature suggests that there is a strong positive relationship between HDI and standard of living. Improvements in HDI, particularly in the income dimension, are associated with higher levels of economic development, improved access to basic services, and reduced poverty and inequality. The findings of these studies highlight the importance of investing in economic development and social welfare as a means of improving overall human well-being [26,32,30,29,33]

India’s Development Efforts

India has made significant progress in its national development efforts, with the government implementing various policies and programs to support development. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), introduced in 2005, guarantees 100 days of employment to every household in rural areas. Dey and Banerjee [34] found that the NREGA has significantly increased the income of rural households and reduced poverty. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is another initiative launched by the Indian government to promote financial inclusion. The PMJDY aims to provide access to financial services to all households in India. Khatun and Khatun [35] found that the PMJDY has played a crucial role in increasing financial inclusion and reducing poverty in India. The National Health Mission (NHM), launched in 2013, aims to provide universal access to healthcare services to all citizens of India. Reddy and Agrawal [36] found that the NHM has significantly improved the quality of healthcare services and reduced mortality rates in India. In addition, the Indian government has implemented several programs to promote education, such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The SSA aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6-14 years. Singh and Rana [37] found that the SSA has significantly increased enrollment rates and improved the quality of education in India. Overall, the literature suggests that India's national development efforts have led to significant improvements in the standard of living of its citizens. The NREGA has significantly increased the income of rural households and reduced poverty, while initiatives such as the PMJDY have increased financial inclusion. Programs such as the NHM and SSA have also significantly improved healthcare services and education in India, respectively [34-37].

Sierra Leone’s Development Efforts and Challenges

Sierra Leone, a country located in West Africa, has been through several challenges including a long civil war and the Ebola outbreak. In response to these challenges, the government has implemented various policies and programs to support national development. One such program is the Agenda for Prosperity (AfP), which was launched in 2013 with the goal of achieving middle-income status by 2035. The AfP focuses on several key areas, including energy, infrastructure, human capital development, and agriculture [38].

To support human capital development, the government has implemented several programs to improve education and healthcare. The Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program, launched in 2018, provides free education to primary and secondary school students. The program aims to improve access to education and reduce poverty by improving literacy and numeracy rates [38]. In addition, the government has implemented the Free Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) to provide free healthcare services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years old [40]. These programs have contributed to significant improvements in education and healthcare in Sierra Leone. To support infrastructure development, the government has implemented several programs to improve access to electricity, water, and transportation. The Energy Revolution program aims to increase access to electricity by expanding the generation capacity and improving transmission and distribution systems [38]. The Road to Growth program aims to improve transportation infrastructure by constructing new roads and rehabilitating existing ones [38]. These programs have contributed to significant improvements in infrastructure in Sierra Leone. Despite these efforts, Sierra Leone still faces several challenges, including high levels of poverty and unemployment. The government's efforts to address these challenges through the AfP and other programs are ongoing, and it is hoped that these efforts will lead to continued progress towards the goal of middle-income status by 2035 [38]. Overall, the literature suggests that Sierra Leone's national development efforts have led to significant improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The FQSE and FHCI programs have improved access to education and healthcare, while programs such as the Energy Revolution and Road to Growth have improved infrastructure in Sierra Leone [38-40].

In conclusion, the comparative analysis of the Human Development Index (HDI) of Sierra Leone and India has revealed stark differences in their economic and social conditions. Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world, faces significant challenges due to its history of political instability, civil war, and disease outbreaks. These factors have hindered its development and contributed to a low HDI score of 0.438, ranking 181st out of 189 countries. Sierra Leone's low life expectancy, literacy rates, and income reflect the consequences of limited investment in education, inadequate infrastructure, and low productivity. On the other hand, India has made notable progress in recent years, evidenced by its HDI score of 0.647, ranking 131st out of 189 countries. The country has invested significantly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, leading to improvements in life expectancy and literacy rates. India's demographic dividend, characterized by a large working-age population, has also contributed to its economic growth. However, income inequality remains a persistent challenge in India, with limited access to education and economic opportunities for certain segments of the population. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to improve the well-being and HDI scores of countries like Sierra Leone. It also highlights the need for addressing income inequality in countries like India to ensure that all individuals have access to education and economic opportunities. By understanding the factors influencing HDI scores in different contexts, policymakers and stakeholders can make informed decisions to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of their citizens.

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By using secondary data, reports, and write-ups available on the internet, this research aims to outline, analyze and compare the HDI for these two countries. The motivation for comparing Sierra Leone and India is drawn from the need to benchmark progress and developments in India.

Human Development Index of Sierra Leone and India

Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $1,339 in 2019 (World Bank, 2020). The country has suffered from political instability, civil war, and disease outbreaks, which have hindered its development. According to the 2019 Human Development Report, Sierra Leone has an HDI score of 0.438, ranking 181st out of 189 countries [41]. The life expectancy at birth in Sierra Leone is just 54.7 years, which is well below the global average of 72.6 years [41]. The country also has a low literacy rate, with only 43.3% of adults being able to read and write [41]. In terms of income, Sierra Leone has a gross national income (GNI) per capita of just $1,450, which is significantly lower than the global average of $11,909 (World Bank, 2020). India is the world's second-most populous country, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with a GDP per capita of $2,104 in 2019 (World Bank, 2020). According to the 2019 Human Development Report, India has an HDI score of 0.647, ranking 131st out of 189 countries [41]. India has made significant progress in improving life expectancy, with a life expectancy at birth of 69.1 years [41]. The country has also made progress in improving literacy rates, with 74.4% of adults being able to read and write [41] However, income inequality remains a significant challenge, with a GNI per capita of $6,690, significantly lower than the global average (World Bank, 2020). The Human Development Index (HDI) of Sierra Leone and India, two countries with vastly different economic and social conditions largely varies. Sierra Leone, being one of the poorest countries in the world, has an HDI score of 0.438, ranking 181st out of 189 countries, and has suffered from political instability, civil war, and disease outbreaks, which have hindered its development. In contrast, India has made significant progress in recent years, with an HDI score of 0.647, ranking 131st out of 189 countries, and has made significant investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Despite India's progress, income inequality remains a significant challenge. These differences in HDI scores highlight the need for targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in order to improve the well-being of individuals in countries with low HDI scores like Sierra Leone.

Factors Contributing To HDI in Sierra Leone and India

The low HDI score of Sierra Leone can be attributed to several factors. The country has suffered from political instability and civil war, which have led to the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of populations [41]. The Ebola virus outbreak in 2014 also had a significant impact on the country's health system and economy [41]. The low literacy rate in Sierra Leone is a result of inadequate investment in education and poor quality of education [40]. The low income of the country is also a result of limited economic opportunities, low productivity, and inadequate investment in infrastructure [41].

On the contrary, India's progress in improving its HDI score can be attributed to several factors. The country has made significant investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which have improved life expectancy and literacy rates [41]. The country's demographic dividend, which is characterized by a large working-age population, has also contributed to its economic growth [40]. However, income inequality remains a significant challenge, with limited access to education the analysis highlights the factors that have contributed to the low HDI score of Sierra Leone, including political instability, civil war, disease outbreaks, inadequate investment in education, poor quality of education, limited economic opportunities, low productivity, and inadequate investment in infrastructure. These factors have led to poor health outcomes, low literacy rates, and low income in the country. In contrast, India's progress in improving its HDI score can be attributed to investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, as well as its demographic dividend. However, income inequality remains a significant challenge in India, with limited access to education and economic opportunities for some segments of the population. The analysis underscores the need for targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to improve the HDI score of countries like Sierra Leone and reduce income inequality in countries like India.

Recommendations on Improving HDI in Sierra Leone and India

In Sierra Leone, investment in healthcare and education should be increased to improve the health and education indicators of the HDI. Promoting gender equality by empowering women and girls through access to education and healthcare will further improve human development. To address regional disparities in development, the government should promote development in poorer regions through targeted investment and development policies. Increasing investment in infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to basic services such as water and electricity is also important. Finally, promoting sustainable economic growth through investments in sectors such as agriculture and tourism will generate employment and income for the population. Similarly, in India, investment in healthcare and education should be increased to further improve the health and education indicators of the HDI. Addressing regional disparities in development by promoting development in poorer regions through targeted investment and development policies is essential to improving human development. Promoting inclusive growth by ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all segments of society, including marginalized communities, will reduce inequalities in human development. Addressing environmental degradation through promoting sustainable development practices and reducing pollution levels will improve living standards and health outcomes. Finally, promoting gender equality through policies and programs that address gender discrimination and empower women and girls is crucial to improving human development.

While these measures are aligned with the goal of improving HDI in both Sierra Leone and India, implementing them will require sustained effort from governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. By prioritizing investments in human development and promoting inclusive growth, both countries can significantly improve the living standards and quality of life of their populations. Specifically, this paper recommends the following measures for improving HDI for Sierra Leone:

• Increase investment in healthcare and education to further improve the health and education indicators of the HDI
• Promote gender equality through programs that empower women and girls, such as providing access to education and healthcare
• Increase investment in infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to basic services such as water and electricity.
• Promote sustainable economic growth through investments in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which have the potential to generate employment and income for the population.

It’s expected the nation’s HDI will experience immediate improvement if these measures are adequately implemented. On the other hand we recommend the following for improving India’s HDI:

• Increase investment in healthcare and education to further improve the health and education indicators of the HDI.
• Address regional disparities in development by promoting development in poorer regions through targeted investment and development policies.
• Promote inclusive growth by ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all segments of society, including marginalized communities.
• Address environmental degradation by promoting sustainable development practices and reducing pollution levels.
• Promote gender equality through policies and programs that address gender discrimination and empower women and girls.

These recommendations are based on the specific challenges and opportunities that exist in Sierra Leone and India and are aligned with the goal of improving HDI in both countries. Implementing these recommendations will require a sustained effort from governments, civil society, and other stakeholders, but the potential benefits in terms of improved living standards and quality of life for the population are significant.