Human Development Report 2018: Number of Countries in the Group

Introduction:
The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual publication of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It measures the human development of countries based on three dimensions - health, education, and standard of living. The 2018 report focuses on the theme of "Human Development and the Changing World of Work."

Number of Countries in the Group:
The HDR 2018 covers 189 countries and territories, which are grouped into four categories based on their human development index (HDI) values. These categories are as follows:

1. Very high human development: 59 countries
2. High human development: 53 countries
3. Medium human development: 39 countries
4. Low human development: 38 countries

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option B - 59. The group referred to in the question is the category of countries with very high human development.

Conclusion:
The HDR is a valuable tool for understanding the progress and challenges of human development globally. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that contribute to human well-being and highlights the disparities that exist within and between countries. By identifying areas for improvement and promoting policies that prioritize human development, the HDR aims to create a more equitable and sustainable world.