Commodities

Authoritarianism and corruption mar Iran’s economic freedom, which is repressed, but regional relations are improving. Sanctions are expected to continue to weigh heavily on the economy, which is exacerbating currency weakness and adding to…

Recent policies are eroding democracy and corruption is rife, although economic freedom has improved in the short term. The economy has proven to be resilient, helped by higher exports, whilst inflation is moderating and the prospects for foreign…

India has a relatively stable political environment, but discrimination of minority groups is on the rise and the country has weak state finances. Economic development has outpaced peers and prospects for international trade are positive, although…

Iceland benefits from its low levels of corruption, political stability and economic freedom. The economy is set for a strong performance, leans heavily on sectors like tourism and fishing, alongside a stable currency and progressive tax incentives…

A low tax burden adds to Hungary’s economic freedom, but corruption remains an issue and state finances are under pressure. Economic performance has outpaced peers and unemployment is low, but inflation remains very high and will adversely impact…

China’s increasing influence on Hong Kong’s political scene continues to undermine democracy. The economy is expected to recover well and inflation is under control, but the currency’s peg to the US dollar is leading to higher borrowing costs.…

Violence mars Honduran society and economic freedom, although state finances continued to improve. Economic momentum is slowing, as exports and remittances growth slow, but lower inflation will ease the pressure on households. Whilst the population…

Haiti suffers from considerable political instability and corruption is rife. Economic development will be severely hindered in the short term, owing to the devastation caused by the 2021 earthquake and the unstable political landscape, with…

Political instability has been partly to blame for a deterioration in peacefulness in Guyana, although efforts to tackle corruption are improving. The economy was the best performer globally in 2020, but major oil discoveries also raise the country’s…

Guinea-Bissau suffers from substantial political instability and corruption, which limits democracy. Economic recovery is likely to be stronger than peers, driven by higher demand for agricultural products, but large dependence on the sector is a…

In Guinea, political challenges stem from a leaning towards autocracy and persistent corruption. The country benefits from the mining sector yet faces high inflation and dependency on external funds. Rapid population growth and urbanisation strain…

A weak rule of law is adversely affecting economic freedom, whilst Guatemala is witnessing political instability and suppression of freedom of expression. Although resilient, output growth is slowing as remittances reduce and the US economy falters…

The US’s large military presence on Guam makes the territory a target for attacks by nations looking to lower US power in Asia Pacific. Guam is highly reliant on US federal funding, exposing the territory to changes in US military spending. Tourism…

French subsidies help to maintain political stability on Guadeloupe, although the islands are prone to civil unrest against socio-economic conditions. Substantial reliance on tourism resulted in recession in 2020, caused by the negative impact of the…

Grenada enjoys political stability, although its state finances have deteriorated as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tourism accounts for a large share of exports and output, which is likely to lead to economic underperformance…

Although state finances are improving and political stability has returned, Greece continues to have an issue with corruption. Economic development is set to slow further, but inflation has also fallen markedly, but high unemployment remains a…

Gibraltar’s cooperation in tax matters has made the territory more transparent. Issues over the state’s sovereignty remain unresolved, which is a source of instability. Strength in financial services and the online gaming sector could support…

Whilst Ghana enjoys a relatively low tax burden, public debt is rising and the state is increasingly stamping out opposition. Economic momentum is slowing in light of inflationary pressures, but the foreign investment climate looks promising. Whilst…

Although ‘mostly free’ for economic freedom and state finances have been improving, more corruption has been observed and its terrorism ranking has been deteriorating. Inflation is retreating, but economic growth is moderating, whilst energy import…

Whilst Georgia’s government finances have improved and a low tax burden benefits businesses, governance is becoming more authoritarian and moving away from democratic ideals. Economic development was extremely robust in 2022, thanks to tourism,…