History suggests that the selection of indicators reflects the thinking of the time.
The Romans conducted census surveys to assist in the accurate collection of taxes and the USA measured national income as an indicator of wealth and well-being in the 1920s.Despite the success of economic indicators in capturing and relaying key information to decision-makers and the general public, however, their deficiencies were also apparent.
Since the Rio Earth Summit, many organizations, led by those associated with the United Nations, have begun to develop indicators as tools for monitoring progress made towards the broad goals of sustainable development.