UN pleased with progress in human development area. Progress accomplished in the world since the 1970s, in the human development area, has been impressive, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its most recent report. The human development index has increased by 41% since the 1970s and by 18% since the 1990s. Progress was achieved in almost all 155 countries studied by the UNDP, with the exception of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The countries that achieved the best results are in Asiaa, the Gulf and North Africa. At the head of the list are Oman, which has benefited from the proceeds from the discovery of oil, China, Nepal, Indonesia and even Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Africa is lagging behind; no country in sub-Saharan Africa is on the list of the 10 best performers. Ethiopia is in 11th place. Latin America is far behind, the country that has made the most progress in this region being Guatemala, which is, however, only in 22nd position. (I.L./transl.fl)