Israel ranks 'very high' on UN human development index

Israel places 19th on the index, just before France • Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands and U.S. make up top five • "State of Palestine" is 107th • Lebanon (65), Turkey (69), Iran (75), Jordan (77), Egypt (110) and Syria (118). Israel Hayom Staff Israel ranks 19th in the world in the United Nations' Human Development Index for 2014, according to the U.N.'s 2014 Human Development Report released Thursday. Israel is among 49 nations the report ranks as having "very high human development." The report, titled "Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience," states that the Human Development Index is a measure of achievements in key dimensions such as a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living. The report ranks some 187 countries as having "very high," "high," "medium" or "low" human development. The top 10 countries, in order, are: Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, United States, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and Denmark. Israel, in 19th position, is preceded by Liechtenstein and followed by France. The bottom five countries are Sierra Leone, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo and Niger. Among Israel's near neighbors, Saudi Arabia was placed 34th, Lebanon 65th, Turkey, 69th, Iran 75th, Jordan 77th, Egypt 110th and Syria 118th. The report also included the "State of Palestine," which ranked 107th on the list.