AN EVALUATION OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION BY THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

ABSTRACT Economic performance and human development performance of a country may be different than each other. In addition, only high level of income is not even enough as an indicator of development. Assessing the development levels requires the use of different indicators from humanitarian, social and cultural perspectives, in addition to economic indicators. The United Nations measures the level of development of a country by The Human Development Index. This Index includes indicators on education and health, in addition to the incomes of countries. This study analyzes the 2016 Human Development Index and its sub-categories for The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, which also includes Turkey. The Human Development Index Report places Turkey at 71st rank with 0,767 among 188 countries. This ranking places Turkey among the countries with human development. Among The Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, Turkey places 11th, which should be deserving a higher ranking considering income indicators of this group. Placement of Turkey at higher rankings in terms of human development appears to depend on increased investments on education and health areas