Does the year-to-year variation of maximum values make it difficult to monitor progress?
No, each year HDI trends are recalculated from 1980 based on consistent time series data and the new maximum values. In any case, the HDI is not meant to monitor progress in the short term—it takes time before policy interventions reflect on indicators such as mean years of schooling and life expectancy at birth. This is why HDI trends are provided in five-year intervals.
