Commodities

Weak state finances have caused frequent bouts of instability in governance. Additionally, the US’s peacefulness has worsened, but its business landscape remains resilient. Economic growth is slowing in the short term, but robust energy exports have…

The United Kingdom’s (UK) political landscape has been volatile, whilst Brexit continues to weigh on economic freedom. Owing to high inflation that has eroded consumer purchasing power and business investment, economic output is set to slow markedly,…

With a very low tax burden and reforms aimed at the business landscape, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoys economic freedom, although the state’s grip on society continues. Oil production cuts will moderate economic growth in the short term, but…

Although the tax burden is reducing, the Philippines remains ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom and geopolitical tensions are growing. Solid remittances helped the economy to outperform peers and infrastructure upgrades could support output…

Although the tax burden is increasing, the Netherlands continues to enjoy significant economic freedom and solid state finances. High prices have negatively impacted economic momentum, but inflation is falling and unemployment is low. The quality of…

Although economic freedom is slipping, the Dominican Republic enjoys political stability, but corruption remains endemic. Economic performance has been solid, but is slowing and remains dependent on tourism, whilst the country continues to attract…

Although corruption is a problem, the Czech Republic has strong adherence to economic freedom and solid government finances. Economic growth is set to slow amidst persistent inflation, but the foreign investment landscape is vibrant. Whilst…

Thailand is prone to bouts of political instability, which has adversely affected economic freedom. Moreover, the military’s stranglehold and the influence of the monarch over politics have weakened the rule of law. Returning tourism has helped to…

Although corruption remains a problem and the rule of law is weak, Tanzania’s state finances are sustainable and economic freedom is improving. Economic momentum is robust and inflation is well contained, but reliance on agriculture continues to be…

Authoritarian rule has created political stability in Tajikistan, but economic freedom has suffered as a result. The economy is expected to outperform peers in the short term, but a narrow export base creates risks for the external sector. Tajikistan…

Respect of the rule of law and a dynamic private sector have led to superior economic freedom for Taiwan. However, geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting both the political and economic landscapes. Inflation has been controlled well, but the…

Switzerland is one of the world’s most democratic countries, with extensive economic freedom and strong state finances. Although inflation is under control, economic growth is set to slow further. Consumer market appeal continues to be supported by…

Although the political scene is facing instability, Sweden will soon join NATO, whilst its state finances remain sustainable. A slowing economy has been hampered by elevated food and energy prices, but inflation is falling and infrastructure upgrades…

Suriname remains among the ‘repressed’ countries in economic freedom ranking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the economy, which has also suffered from currency devaluation causing a spike in inflation. Whilst the…

In 2023, a war erupted in Sudan, exerting a severe impact on the nation's social and economic advancements. The economy is expected to undergo a substantial contraction, alongside the rise of a significant humanitarian crisis marked by casualties,…

St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy political stability and low levels of corruption, but crime is rising. A small population that is hardly growing diminishes the appeal of the consumer market, whilst the populace is also ageing. Internet use is…

St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth recovered to pre-pandemic pace, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty…

St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, showcases political stability within a parliamentary democracy. Its economy hinges on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program driving foreign investment. The country…

Sri Lanka is grappling with multiple issues including weak economic freedom, corruption, and denial of human rights. Furthermore, an economic crisis led to political instability and trigged hyperinflation, although prices have fallen fast, and output…

Spain is suffering from a bout of political instability and economic freedom has worsened. Although economic development is slowing down, it continues to attract foreign investors. However, high, albeit falling, inflation has taken its toll on…