In 2025, Hong Kong had the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in the Asia-Pacific region, with a score of ****. In contrast, Pakistan's HDI score was roughly **** in the same year. HDI provides a human-centered overview of development based on an individual's longevity and wellness, knowledge, and decent living standards.

In 2025, Canberra, the capital city of Australia, had the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in the Asia-Pacific region, with a score of ****. In contrast, India's Hyderabad had an HDI score of roughly **** in the same year. HDI provides a human-centered overview of development based on an individual's longevity and wellness, knowledge, and decent living standards.

In 2025, Luxembourg was the country with the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. Of the 20 listed countries, 13 are in Europe and five are in Asia, alongside the U.S. and Australia. There are no African or Latin American countries among the top 20. Correlation with high living standards While GDP is a useful indicator for measuring the size or strength of an economy, GDP per capita is much more reflective of living standards. For example, when compared to life expectancy or indices such as the Human Development Index or the World Happiness Report, there is a strong overlap - 14 of the 20 countries on this list are also ranked among the 20 happiest countries in 2024, and all 20 have "very high" HDIs. Misleading metrics? GDP per capita figures, however, can be misleading, and to paint a fuller picture of a country's living standards then one must look at multiple metrics. GDP per capita figures can be skewed by inequalities in wealth distribution, and in countries such as those in the Middle East, a relatively large share of the population lives in poverty while a smaller number live affluent lifestyles.