Description:
This report breaks new ground in applying a human development approach to the study of migration. It discusses who migrants are, where they come from and go to, and why they move. It looks at the multiple impacts of migration for all who are affected by it-not just those who move, but also those who stay. In so doing, the report's findings cast new light on some common misconceptions about migration. By examining policies with a view to expanding people's freedoms rather than controlling or restricting human movement, this report proposes a bold set of reforms. It argues that, when tailored to country-specific contexts, these changes can amplify human mobility's already substantial contributions to human development.
Human Development Index
Also released as part of the 2009 Human Development Report was the latest Human Development Index (HDI), a summary indicator of people's well-being, combining measures of life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and GDP per capita. It shows that despite progress in many areas over the last 25 years, the disparities in people's well-being in rich and poor countries continue to be unacceptably wide.
This year's HDI has been calculated for 182 countries and territories-the widest coverage ever. The estimates, which rely on the most recently available data compiled by the UN and other international partners, are based on 2007 data.
-On the HDI, Canada ranked fourth in quality of life just under Norway (1), Australia (2) and Iceland.
-On the GEM measure (women's participation in economic and politic life) Canada ranks 12th (see Canada profile), with Sweden at the top of the list.
-Canada is ranked 74th on the GDI measure (GDI is simply the HDI adjusted downward for gender inequality). The greater the gender disparity in human development, the lower the GDI value is relative to the country's HDI. Ranking is based on this ratio, there are 73 countries with better ratios than Canada.
-Findings also indicate that in Canada in 2007 there was an income difference in earnings of more than $15,000 (US) between males ($43,456) and females ($28,315).
See HDI tables at end of report.