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.
The British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) tax haven status is damaging the territory’s reputation and could lead to political instability. Economic performance is likely to outpace peers in the short term, owing to tourism recovery and strength in financial…
Brunei Darussalam enjoys political stability and low levels of corruption. However, civil liberties are impinged upon by autocratic rule. With huge reliance on hydrocarbons, the economy is prone to various risks. An ageing populace could exert…
With its very low tax burden and strong state finances, Bulgaria enjoys economic freedom, although political instability has been common. High inflation is adversely affecting the economy, but joblessness remains low. Although skills shortages are…
Burkina Faso faces challenges amid political instability, violence and weak rule of law. Economic challenges are compounded by external shocks and a dependence on agriculture, yet rising mining exports offer some respite. Country’s young, growing…
Burundi faces significant challenges marked by political instability and rampant corruption. High public debt raises concerns about fiscal health. The country’s largely agricultural economy is affected by energy shortages and minimal foreign…
Cabo Verde has one of the most politically stable landscapes in Africa. However, the country stands among the ‘moderately free’ in economic freedom ranking. Continuous recovery of tourism helps to maintain economic growth, which is expected to remain…
Although state finances remain sustainable, the ruling party’s grip on power is eroding democracy and freedoms, whilst corruption remains a key problem. Economic growth continues to be robust, but external sector weakness exists and dependence on…
Conflict and corruption blight Cameroon’s political landscape and have kept economic freedom depressed. Nevertheless, the economy exhibits strength in the face of global challenges, but inflation remains elevated and reliance on hydrocarbons is…
Canada’s political stability and solid economic freedom form the foundations for strong private sector development. The economy will slow in the short term, whilst the country remains prone to global commodity price changes and is overly reliant on a…
The Cayman Islands benefit from political stability, but their position as a secretive financial offshore centre raises incidences of corruption. Tourism is the main economic activity, which has been negatively impacted by the pandemic yet aided…
In the Central African Republic, political instability and violence persist, with the government's control limited largely to the capital. Endemic corruption and high levels of violence further exacerbate challenges in an economy highly reliant on…
Chad faces endemic corruption and autocratic governance, with ongoing terrorism threats. Economic growth is set to outpace regional peers over the long term due to relatively contained inflation, FDI inflows and oil revenues. The rapidly growing…
Chile enjoys economic freedom and relatively low corruption, which has helped its private sector to develop, although political instability remains. The economy is slowing down markedly, as copper production is impeded, and unemployment is relatively…
Economic freedom is negatively impacted by authoritarianism in China, with the state becoming increasingly repressive. The zero-COVID-19 policy has adversely affected the economy, but removal of restrictions could result in strong short-term…
Democracy has seen progress in Colombia, but the rule of law is weakened by organised criminal factions. Although slowing, the economy has outperformed peers, but the country is grappling with high inflation and reliance on oil remains substantial.…
Comoros is ‘mostly unfree’ in economic freedom ranking, with corruption prevalent and civil liberties restricted. The economy is expected to outpace regional peers in the short term, but the economic base is narrow and exports are undiversified. The…
Congo-Brazzaville faces significant challenges with low levels of government transparency and pervasive corruption. The economy is heavily reliant on oil, yet efforts towards diversification are in progress. The population is young, however, is…
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is afflicted with growing political divisions in a precarious security and humanitarian climate. Growth should be supported by the mining sector in 2021, as trade improves and inflation descends. Strong…
Political stability and better government finances are adding to economic freedom in Costa Rica, but corruption is on the rise. Foreign investors continue to flock to the country, but the economy is moderating and prices are falling. Discretionary…
Although Côte d’Ivoire is politically stable, corruption is rife and the rule of law is weak, whilst state finances have deteriorated. Economic momentum continues to outperform the regional average and inflation is low, but exposure to agriculture is…