Commodities

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…

A low corporate tax rate and better finances are leading to enhanced economic freedom in Croatia, although corruption continues to be an issue and politics is moving to the right. Adoption of the euro could boost investment and tourism, but the…

As one of the most ‘repressed’ countries globally, the autocratic communist regime is also creating social tensions. US sanctions continue to wreak havoc with the path of economic development, whilst Cubans leaving the country surge amid economic…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Power is concentrated in the executive branch of government and corruption is rife, which limits economic freedom. Geopolitical tensions have had an adverse impact on economic development, but a massive deal will significantly boost foreign…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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 state finances have deteriorated, Finland will continue to enjoy political stability and high levels of economic freedom. Despite inflation falling considerably, the economy was in recession in 2023 and the recovery will be weak amidst…

Although corruption is not a problem, bouts of political uncertainty are set to plague in France in the medium term and public finances remain stretched. Economic performance lacks impetus, but inflation has fallen and exports are to receive a boost.…

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…

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…