How does a high level of rurality often affect a country’s Human Development Index (HDI) score?(1 point)

High rurality often lowers HDI scores because people in rural areas have few resources.

High rurality often lowers HDI scores because people in rural areas have few resources.

The correct response is: High rurality often lowers HDI scores because people in rural areas have few resources.

To understand why high rurality often lowers a country's HDI score, we need to understand what the Human Development Index (HDI) measures and how rurality can impact it.

The HDI is a composite index that measures the average achievements in three main dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. It takes into account indicators such as life expectancy, education levels, and income per capita.

High rurality refers to areas with a smaller population density and typically fewer resources compared to urban areas. This can negatively impact the HDI score for several reasons:

1. Limited and unequal access to basic services: Rural areas may have limited access to healthcare facilities, education, clean water, sanitation, and electricity. These limitations can negatively affect the health, education, and overall well-being of the population, leading to lower HDI scores.

2. Lack of infrastructure and economic opportunities: Rural areas often have less developed infrastructure, such as roads, transportation networks, and communication systems. This can hinder economic opportunities, including access to markets, jobs, and income-generating activities. Limited economic opportunities can result in lower income levels and a lower standard of living, contributing to lower HDI scores.

3. Challenges in education: Rural areas may face difficulties in providing quality education due to limited schools, qualified teachers, and resources. This can lead to lower literacy rates and educational attainment levels, which are important factors in the HDI calculation.

4. Agricultural dependence: While having more land for farming, as mentioned in one of the response options, can contribute to higher agricultural productivity, it does not necessarily lead to higher HDI scores. Agricultural dependence in rural areas can also be a risk factor, as it makes communities more vulnerable to factors such as climate change, natural disasters, and fluctuations in global market prices, which can negatively impact income and overall human development.

Therefore, high rurality often lowers HDI scores because people in rural areas have limited access to resources and face challenges in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.