Kyrgyzstan ranks 117th out of 193 countries and territories, maintaining its position in the “High Human Development” category, according to the latest Human Development Index (HDI) in the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) published by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP Kyrgyzstan reported.
Kyrgyzstan continues to make steady progress in advancing human development, with improvements seen across education, health, and living standards. In 2023, the country has achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.720, placing it in the “High Human Development” category for the second year in a row. This milestone reflects Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its citizens, particularly through investments in education reforms and healthcare services.
Between 1990 and 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s life expectancy at birth changed by 6.9 years, expected years of schooling changed by 0.8 years and mean years of schooling changed by 2.9 years. Kyrgyzstan’s GNI per capita changed by about 1.3 percent between 1990 and 2023. The steady improvements in health and education were key to boosting the country’s overall human development.
Kyrgyzstan has made significant strides in gender equality, as evidenced by its Gender Development Index (GDI). The GDI measures disparities between men and women in terms of health, education, and income. Kyrgyzstan’s GDI value is 0.959, with a female HDI value of 0.701 and a male HDI value of 0.731m placing the country in the Group 2. This indicates that the country is narrowing the gender gap, with women increasingly accessing education and healthcare services.
The country’s Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) reveals a 9.9% loss due to inequality in the distribution of health, education, and living standards. This means that while the country has made progress in overall human development, inequality significantly reduces the benefits experienced across different segments of the population. Kyrgyzstan’s development would be 9.9% higher if there were no inequality in the distribution of health, education, and living standards. Addressing these disparities could lead to a more equitable distribution of development, improving the quality of life for all citizens and reducing the gap between the ideal HDI and the actual human development experience in Kyrgyzstan. To further advance its Human Development Index (HDI), Kyrgyzstan should capitalize on several key opportunities. Enhancing digital infrastructure and expanding access to technology can drive innovation and economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Investing in renewable energy sources will not only support environmental sustainability but also create new job opportunities and reduce energy dependency. Strengthening vocational and technical education programs can equip the workforce with future-ready skills, addressing the evolving demands of the labor market. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can accelerate development projects and improve service delivery. By prioritizing these areas, Kyrgyzstan can build on its achievements and ensure inclusive, sustainable development for all its citizens.
