MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) - Belarus is a country with very high human development and ranks 69th on the UN Human Development Index among 193 nations, BelTA learned from the press service of the Economy Ministry of Belarus.
"In terms of life expectancy, we have approached the European neighboring states. We have one of the lowest infant mortality rates and practically no maternal mortality. According to the education index in 2023, Belarus ranked 57th out of 207 countries. Belarus has achieved 100% enrolment of 5-year-olds in early childhood education. The adult literacy and the proportion of labor force with general secondary and vocational secondary education are approaching 100%. There are 254 students and undergraduates of higher education institutions per 10,000 people, which corresponds to the level of European countries and is 1.4 times higher than in 1993," the Economy Ministry said.
Over 30 years, household disposable income has increased 4.7 times, real wages - 6.6 times. Pensions are increasing; the system of pension and other social benefits is stable.
Belarus has one of the lowest unemployment rates: according to the ILO methodology, it was 3.5% in 2023 and was down to 3% in the second quarter of 2024.
The structure of household expenditures has improved significantly. In 1995 food accounted for 61.6% of consumer spending, in 2023 - 38.6%.
In terms of passenger vehicles per capita, Belarus is ahead of Russia and other neighboring countries. In comparison with 1993, it has increased by more than 4.5 times.
Belarus is among the CIS leaders in terms of housing provision - 29.9 square meters per capita, which is 1.5 times higher than in 1993. Over 94% of the housing stock is privately owned.
"These achievements are also recognized at the international level. Belarus is the leader among the CIS countries in terms of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: 30th place among 167 countries," the Economy Ministry noted.