Commodities

Amid advancing civil rights and fiscal improvements, political and economic landscapes in the nation evolve. Agriculture and tourism are set to boost economic growth, yet the country grapples with inflation and import reliance. Socially, robust…

Gabon faces challenges of corruption and a trend towards dynastic politics, yet shows signs of financial improvement. Country’s high reliance on oil is being counterbalanced by diversification efforts and foreign investment, particularly through…

French Polynesia receives considerable support from France. Nevertheless, pro-independence party won elections in 2023, which has the potential for increased tensions between French Polynesia and France. Rebounding tuourism may support post-pandemic…

Support from France is crucial to the development of French Guiana, but while the relationship is generally cooperative, instances where tensions arise happen. The country has a strong space industry. Population growth will be strong, but it is…

Relatively high taxes and a lack of fiscal discipline are negatively affecting economic freedom, whilst France is prone to significant social unrest. Economic momentum is slowing, as higher borrowing costs adversely impact investment and confidence,…

Forming a coalition with the far right could create policy disagreements, but Finland continues to have considerable economic freedom and limited corruption. The economy has slowed significantly, owing to a weak external sector resulting from the war…

Fiji has fallen among ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom, with persisting political uncertainty and worsening fiscal health. Nevertheless, over the near future, economic growth should be relatively strong as tourism rebounds. Consumer expenditure…

Although perceptions are improving, corruption remains pervasive and economic freedom has deteriorated. Ethiopia’s economy is resilient and has outperformed peers, partly driven by foreign investment, but inflation is high and dependence on…

Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, faces challenges with limited economic freedom and growing corruption. Country’s economy, heavily influenced by South Africa and suffering from high unemployment, is expected to underperform compared to its…

Although Estonia enjoys substantial economic freedom and tackles corruption effectively, state finances are deteriorating but remain sustainable. The economy is experiencing recession and stagflation, whilst its highly open nature creates risks for…

Eritrea's political environment is marked by persistent autocracy, with no movement towards democratisation. Corruption is rampant, and tensions with neighbouring countries persist. Military-controlled economy, reliance on remittances and exposure to…

Equatorial Guinea faces low levels of economic freedom and pervasive corruption, with significant political instability. Country’s economy, heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, is threatened by declining oil production, despite growth seen in 2022. The…

Although government finances improved in El Salvador, the state continues to exhibit authoritarian tendencies and corruption remains an issue. Whilst inflation has fallen, economic momentum is moderating and the country’s high dependence on…

Authoritarianism is leading to ‘repressed’ economic freedom in Egypt, whilst corruption remains an issue. Although energy exports have fuelled strong economic growth, output is set to slow down in the short term, as extremely high inflation…

A more business-friendly government, elected in 2021, could improve economic freedom. However, protests by indigenous factions have been violently suppressed. Economic performance is expected to be stronger than the regional average, whilst…

Dominica enjoys relative political stability but whilst corruption is not a major problem, it has permeated the executive branch of government. Considerable dependence on agriculture and an underdeveloped tourism sector will lead to economic…

In Djibouti, authoritative governance is restricting civic liberties with deteriorating perception of corruption. However, despite being "mostly unfree," the country’s economy attracts foreign investments and maintains inflation control via a…

Denmark enjoys considerable economic freedom and is one of the least corrupt countries globally, but the income tax burden is high. The economy is slowing markedly, but inflation has retreated and unemployment is lower than peers. Although there is a…

Cyprus is relatively free and peaceful, but disputes over offshore hydrocarbon resources remain heated. Economic growth is forecast to slow down over the near term, while inflation is set to decline and remain below the regional average. Ageing is…

The Netherlands maintains considerable clout over the affairs of Curacao, which is leading to growing calls for a full split from the European nation. Given that the economy is highly dependent on tourism and oil refining, it has suffered at the…