Standardised coverage and timely analysis of natural resources he...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis of natural resources helping you to understand the opportunities and risks commodities brings business and economies today.
Puerto Rico, a US territory, grapples with economic challenges such as high unemployment and debt amid debates about its political status. Culturally diverse, the island faces social issues like poverty and emigration. Yet, initiatives in technology,…
Corruption amongst high-ranking state officials has heightened political instability in Portugal, whilst public debt remains elevated. Economic momentum is slowing, but inflation has fallen markedly and technological prowess is supporting foreign…
An unbiased judiciary weakens the rule of law and corruption is more prevalent, but the business environment continues to thrive. Although the economy is expected to slow markedly in the short term owing to high inflation, medium-term prospects are…
Although political instability and corruption continue to be themes in Peru, economic freedom is the third best in South America. Inflation is falling, but the economy is slowing and copper exports could be hindered further, whilst uncertainty in the…
A weak rule of law and endemic corruption hamper economic freedom in Paraguay, although the tax burden remains very low and government finances are sustainable. In the medium term, the economy will outperform the regional average and inflation has…
Papua New Guinea faces considerable hurdles, marked by pervasive corruption and limited economic freedom. Country’s economy, heavily reliant on the uncertain global commodity market, is further strained by low productivity due to extensive…
Corruption undermines economic freedom in Panama and protests have been widespread, although state finances are strengthening. Economic momentum has slowed, but foreign investment is increasing and the Panama Canal continues to play an important role…
Pakistan’s ‘repressed’ status for economic freedom is largely due to political instability and the undue influence of the military. The economy performed better than peers, but suffers from high inflation and interest rates that suppress growth,…
Oman is managing its state finances well and its absolute monarchy creates stability, but economic freedom remains constrained. Whilst the economy is slowing, high oil prices have been supportive and inflation is low, but reliance on oil is large and…
Norway enjoys considerable economic freedom and adheres strongly to the rule of law, whilst state finances are in rude health. Output development is slowing, owing to challenges for the global economy, but inflation is under control and exports have…
Although economic freedom has worsened and political instability persists, state finances have improved and taxation is low. North Macedonia’s economy has struggled under the weight of elevated inflation, but this is falling and foreign investment…
North Korea’s autocratic regime is the most repressed globally for economic freedom, which propagates corruption, but sanctions could bring the country to the negotiating table. The command economy has been crippled by these sanctions, and remains…
Weakness in the rule of law is negatively impacting economic freedom in Nigeria, as does pervasive corruption. Significant reliance on the oil sector can lead to volatile economic development, whilst persistently high inflation is adversely affecting…
The political climate in Niger is marked by corruption and external influences, including the presence of terrorist groups and foreign military aid. Economically, the country is poised for above-average growth, heavily reliant on agriculture and…
An authoritarian regime using violence has reduced peace in Nicaragua and caused political instability. Consequently, the economy has suffered a prolonged recession, which has been exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A major trade…
New Zealand’s business climate is dynamic and ‘mostly free’ for economic freedom, whilst corruption is not a problem, but political instability is rising owing to the scheduled general election in October 2023. As inflation continues to trouble…
Significant divisions exist between New Caledonia’s indigenous population and its European counterparts, creating political instability. Substantial reliance on nickel is a risk for the economy, which was in recession in 2020. The prospect of…
Political upheaval has been caused by transitioning to a new constitution, whilst economic freedom is suppressed, given ineffective observance of the rule of law. The economy could outperform peers, owing to strength in agriculture and greater…
Nauru’s political landscape is stable, but is sometimes autocratic in nature. The country’s biggest challenge is to diversify the economy away from phosphate production. Nevertheless, planned infrastructure projects could enhance Nauru’s appeal. Its…
Namibia has a relatively stable political environment, reflecting positive economic prospects. Investment in telecommunications is set to boost revenue growth in the coming years. Rapid population and consumption growth indicate a demographic…