Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understand the economic drivers, including GDP, external trade, consumption and leading indicators such as business and consumer confidence, underpinning consumer markets.
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
President Lula’s rise to power may not reduce political instability and polarisation in Brazil, and could negatively affect economic freedom, which is already ‘mostly unfree’. Exports have shown resilience and inflation is falling, but economic…
Botswana is among the freest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with cultural emphasis on peace and participation. The economy, led by the diamond trade, has rebounded post-pandemic, yet faces challenges in export diversification and a high youth…
Candidacy for European Union (EU) membership could improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) economic freedom, although corruption is pervasive. The country has a relatively diversified economic base and whilst inflation is moderating, the economy is…
Considerable state involvement hinders economic freedom in Bolivia, whilst government finances remain weak and a threat to stability. Although inflation has been controlled effectively, through subsidies and solid food production, the economy is…
Although Bhutan has solid rankings for peace and terrorism, a lack of trade freedom is inhibiting economic freedom. Owing to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effect on tourism, the economy is likely to struggle in the short term, although…