Determination and analysis of human development index and misery index values in Turkey and level 2 regions (2010-2022 period)

The aim of this study is to present the economic development rankings of sub-regions and make comparative economic and social assessments among regions by calculating the Human Development Index values, which measure the level of development, and the Misery Index values, which analyze life satisfaction, for Turkey and 26 Level 2 Regions for the years 2010-2022. The study found that in 2010, the majority of Turkey had a medium level of human development, while 9 Level 2 Regions had a high level of human development index values. It was determined that the western part of Turkey has a higher level of human development compared to the east, except for Level 2 Region TR33 (Manisa, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Uşak). After 12 years, while the majority of Turkey reached high levels of human development, it was noted that 3 Level 2 Regions maintained medium level human development index values. Looking at the Misery Index values examined in this study; it was observed that in 2010, half of Turkey had a discontent level below the average, while the other half had a discontent level above the average. Generally, the eastern and southeastern regions, along with industrial cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, and Kocaeli, formed a discontent level above the average within Level 2 Regions. By 2021, it is seen that the eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey also had discontent levels above the average, except for Level 2 Regions TRA1 (Erzurum, Erzincan, Bayburt) and TRC1 (Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Kilis). During the 12-year period studied, both Turkey as a whole and the Level 2 regions experienced an increase in the Human Development Index and the Discontent Index. This suggests that while dissatisfaction stemming from inflation and unemployment continues, there may be improvements in health, education, and income per capita indicators, indicating a potential increase in welfare. Key Words: Economic Development, Sustainable Development, Human Development Index, Misery Index