Social Progress Index

The Social Progress Index, created by The Social Progress Imperative, is a comprehensive data insights tool that measures the real-life outcomes experienced by people across a wide range of social and environmental indicators. The Social Progress Index is distinct from other approaches to Beyond GDP measurement in that it explicitly excludes indicators of economic performance. The 2025 Global Social Progress Index provides data insights for 170+ countries from 2011 to 2024 and is updated annually. The Social Progress Index methodology is also used at local, subnational, and sector-specific levels. These tailored indices apply the same core framework to assess progress in regions, cities, or even specific issues, offering actionable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations seeking to drive equitable and inclusive development. The Social Progress Index was created in 2013 by the Skoll Foundation to celebrate its 10th year anniversary. This new index was created because its founders found the Human Development Index and the Happiness Index to be insufficient. Paraguay was the first country to adopt the SPI's framework. The Social Progress Index combines three dimensions: 1. Basic needs; 2.