Armenia lagging behind regional countries over human development

By AzerNews

Armenia has failed to improve its ranking in the UN's Human Development Index over the last years.

Armenia ended up ranking 87th among 187 countries in the UN's Human Development Index.

The country gained the same position in last year's index. Turkey's position is 65, Iran's 75, while Azerbaijan and Georgia takes 76 and 79 place respectively.

The 2014 Human Development Report is based on the average life expectancy of each country, its education level, health status, access to education, the gross national income, GDP per capita and other data.

Armenian government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the country's position in the ranking. It is now seeking new ways to improve the position.

Prime Minister Ovik Abramyan said he was convinced that progress in the UN's ranking depends on education system improvement, local media reported.

Many believe that Armenia's position in the ranking is a direct result of the deteriorating economic situation of the country, as a paralyzed economy affects negatively all spheres of life.

They went on saying that the main reason behind the current trend is Armenia's low rate of GDP. According to the experts, all social indicators depend on GDP. "If the economic situation is complicated, the average life expectancy would decline, as the government is unable to support health sector.

Experts warn that Armenia would not make any progress in human development unless a significant change is made to its economy.