Which nations are doing the best job of investing in nutrition, health care, education, jobs and skills for its children?
The World Bank is engaged in a project designed to answer that very question, and has issued a new report that identifies the nations that stand out in the focus they are putting on "human capital."
The bank's Human Capital Project, launched last year, issued its 2018 index last week, which scored 157 nations on the resources they are devoting to "people for greater equity and economic growth." The Human Capital Index measures the amount of human capital that a child born today can expect to attain by age 18, according to the bank.
"The Human Capital Project is expected to help create the political space for national leaders to prioritize transformational human capital investments," the bank said. "The objective is rapid progress towards a world in which all children arrive in school well-nourished and ready to learn, can expect to attain real learning in the classroom, and are able to enter the job market as healthy, skilled, and productive adults."
Four Asian nations were among the top 10 nations on the list, while the bottom of the list is populated by African nations with a high percentage of people living in poverty.
The U.S. didn't finish in the top 10, ranking 24th between Israel and Macau. Among the findings was that 90 percent of U.S.15-year olds will survive until age 60; U.S. students score 523 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment; and 99 out of 100 children born in the U.S. survive to age 5.
The Human Capital Index (HCI) for each nation represents the percent of productivity the country's children will attain when they grow up compared with what they would have with perfect health and education services. The U.S. received a score of 76 percent, while nations in the top 10 were at 80 percent and above.
The following nations, in ascending order, were at the top of the Human Capital Index:
10. Canada
HCI: 80%
Across Canada, 94 percent of 15-year olds will survive until age 60, the report said. A child who starts school at age 4 can expect to complete 13.7 years of school by his or her 18th birthday.
9. The Netherlands
HCI: 80%
Students in the Netherlands score 530 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment, the report said.
8. Sweden
HCI: 80%
A child in Sweden who starts school at age 4 can expect to complete 13.9 years of school by his or her 18th birthday. Ninety-five percent of 15-year-olds will survive until age 60.
7. Australia
HCI: 80%
Students in Australia score 524 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment.
6. Ireland
HCI: 81%
Students in Ireland score 538 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment.
5. Finland
HCI: 81%
Students in Finland score 548 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment.
4. Hong Kong
HCI: 82%
Students in Hong Kong score 562 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment.
3. Japan
HCI: 84%
Children in Japan can expect to complete 13.6 years of preprimary, primary and secondary school by age 18.
2. South Korea
HCI: 84%
Ninety-four percent of 15-year-olds will survive until age 60.
1. Singapore
HCI: 88%
A child who starts school here at age four can expect to complete 13.9 years of school by his or her 18th birthday.
The full report can be viewed here.
