About

The Human Capital Data Portal is the World Bank Group's comprehensive resource for the latest human capital data and statistics. Designed as a one-stop, user-friendly interface, this portal features innovative, dynamic, and interactive data visualizations that make complex information accessible and engaging. 

Human capital consists of the knowledge, skills, and health that people accumulate throughout their lives, enabling them to realize their potential as productive members of society. By investing in human capital, we can end extreme poverty and create more inclusive societies. These investments include nutrition, health care, quality education, jobs, and skills. 

The Human Capital Data Portal aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and usability of data and research by:

  • Improving Data Quality: Ensuring that data is clean, consistent, and reliable.
  • Enhancing Accessibility: Making data easily accessible to a broad audience.
  • Supporting Evidence-Based Policy: Providing robust data to inform and motivate policy discussions aimed at improving human capital outcomes across and within countries. 

Key Features

  1. Interactive Visualizations: Users can explore data through interactive charts and graphs, making complex information more digestible.

  2. Integrated Data: The portal compiles data from various international sources into a unified format.

  3. Regular Updates: The data is continuously updated based on the latest findings from official international organizations.

Development and Maintenance

The Human Capital Data Portal was developed by the World Bank's Human Capital Project team. It represents a concerted effort to gather and present data in a way that supports more effective and evidence-based policymaking. By regularly updating the portal with new data from international stocktakings, the World Bank ensures that the information remains current and relevant.

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Dataset Description

Data Source

The dataset is compiled from various reputable sources. Data has been gathered from established data portals maintained by international organizations such as:

  • World Development Indicators (WDI, World Bank DataBank)
  • UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
  • United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
  • International Labor Organization (ILO)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The specific source for each indicator is indicated within the dataset.

Data Collection Process 

The dataset was created by compiling publicly available human capital-related indicators from international data portals. Indicators were selected based on their relevance to human capital, availability for a significant number of countries, and presence in time series data. This selection was informed by a thorough analysis of existing literature and the core principles of human capital theory.

Data Content 

  • Overview: The dataset includes 132 indicators and covers 218 economies across the seven World Bank regions and four income groups (low, lower middle, upper middle, and high income). The data spans various life stages (prenatal, early childhood, school-aged children, youth, adults, and elderly) and human capital dimensions (education, health, social protection, and labor). The data ranges from 1960 to 2024.
  • Usage Guidelines: The portal provides a one-stop, user-friendly interface for visualizing and downloading data aimed at enhancing the quality and usability of human capital-related data and stimulating policy discussions.

Data Access and Citation

  • Public Availability: The data is accessible to the public.
  • Citation Guidelines: When citing data from the Human Capital Data Portal, include the original source name from the metadata, followed by "Data retrieved from World Bank Human Capital Data Portal." Example: "Source: International Labour Organization (ILO). Data retrieved from World Bank Human Capital Data Portal."

The Human Capital Index (HCI) 

The Human Capital Index (HCI) redefines human capital by quantifying the contributions of health and education to the productivity of the next generation of workers. This tool allows countries to evaluate the economic impact of gaps in their human capital and to estimate the potential gains from addressing these gaps promptly. By using the HCI, policymakers can better understand the long-term benefits of investing now.

  • Explore the Index: Discover detailed insights into the Human Capital Index and its foundational definition.  
  • HCI FAQs:  Find answers to common questions about the HCI. 

Human capital is complex and ever-evolving, influenced by myriad factors like health, education, and job opportunities. In 2022, Human Capital Complementary Indicators (HCCI) were introduced to provide a more detailed and nuanced picture of human capital. They offer a closer look at how human capital develops across different life stages, from early childhood to adulthood, and highlight age-specific vulnerabilities and optimal times for investment.

Measurement & Research 

Accurate measurement of education and health outcomes is essential at local, national, and global levels. Within countries, such measurements provide valuable insights into effective strategies and resource allocation. They also raise policymakers' awareness of the critical need to invest in human capital, driving momentum for action. Globally, comprehensive measurement highlights disparities between countries and increases the demand for human capital investments.