The problems of defining development Development is very difficult to define as it has a wide range of meanings and has therefore been used in a variety of ways, by different people or organizations in different times. For example, geographers will link development with improvements in human well-being, e.g. greater wealth, better education and health. Many geographers will measure development in terms of the country's HDI (Human Development Index). However, on the other hand, economists will link development to developed/developing economies and use GNP (Gross National Product) and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to measure it. These are examples of two definitions of development, however it must be said that technological improvement and justice are also related characteristics that need to be taken into consideration. This essay will look in detail at how development is defined and the related inaccuracies surrounding it. Well, define the terms and introduce the purpose of the essay. As mentioned above, many economists use GNP or GDP to measure development. GNP can be defined as the total value, or output of goods and services produced by a country, that become available during a constraint period (usually a year) for consumption or saving plus foreign investment. GNP is usually expressed per capita. Explain why and possibly give some examples from different countries. The GNP has its weaknesses because it does not take into account income inequalities, but only indicates the national average. It does not take into account the general cost of living, nor regional variations. A more realistic measure of the differences would be... middle of paper... It can be inferred that, although social and economic indicators have their relative merits, they have many weaknesses. In general, it can be said that economic indicators measure the wealth of the country but give little indication of the standard of living of the majority of people. The World Bank classifies GNP as an economic indicator of development but emphasizes that “classification by income does not necessarily reflect the state of development'. Explain the reasons behind this. You should also name your source. Social indicators may seem like better indicators because they reveal a country's general standard of living; however, they do not reflect inequalities in income distribution. They also do not take into account constant revision as definitions and concepts of the term development change.