ABSTRACT
This chapter presents three synoptic indexes. Composite scales take the most important indicators, and attempt to meld them into a new yardstick. Certain nations tend to do well on a few selected indicators because of some peculiarities of location or economy. But composite indexes make the playing fields level. Like the decathlons, they test a broad range of skills and achievements. The Human Suffering Index is a scoreboard of tional. The Human Suffering Index is a scoreboard of misery. The Status of Women Index is a sobering look at how Status of Women Index is a sobering look at how women are faring around the world. Human Development Index is published annu is annually by the United Nations Development Program.
