Development indicators European countries have reached a high level of development in the top third of United Nations member countries worldwide. However, they experience a variety of economic situations, depending on their social model, natural resources and history. In the coming years, Europe may face a demographic challenge with a result of an ageing population without any increase in number. The Human Development Index is the combination of three basic dimensions of development: health, level of education, and standard of living. Did you know? | •Iceland and Norway have the two highest HDI values in the world. EU 25 member states are ranked between 4th (Ireland) and 45th (Latvia) out of 177 countries | •EU 25 average GDP per capita = €23,400 •EU 25 population 2005: 453 million | | indicators HDI compared with Gross Domestic Product Life expectancy at birth Demographic projection 2005-2050  |