Lifespan

Indicator definition:

Lifespan is life expectancy, measured as the number of years a person can expect to survive if morbidity and mortality trends that were in force in the year s/he was born do not change. Source: The World Bank.

What you can learn from this indicator:

Life expectancy reflects standard of living. High values of this indicator are associated with good health care systems, widely-available primary education and a productive economy.

Illiteracy

Indicator definition:

The adult illiteracy rate is the percentage of adults aged 15 and above who cannot, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement about their everyday life. Source: The World Bank.

What you can learn from this indicator:

Literate populations tend to be healthier and more productive than illiterate populations. Nations with higher rates of illiteracy are in a weaker position, economically, than nations with lower rates of illiteracy.