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.
Corruption undermines economic freedom in Panama and protests have been widespread, although state finances are strengthening. Economic momentum has slowed, but foreign investment is increasing and the Panama Canal continues to play an important role…
Pakistan’s ‘repressed’ status for economic freedom is largely due to political instability and the undue influence of the military. The economy performed better than peers, but suffers from high inflation and interest rates that suppress growth,…
Oman is managing its state finances well and its absolute monarchy creates stability, but economic freedom remains constrained. Whilst the economy is slowing, high oil prices have been supportive and inflation is low, but reliance on oil is large and…
Norway enjoys considerable economic freedom and adheres strongly to the rule of law, whilst state finances are in rude health. Output development is slowing, owing to challenges for the global economy, but inflation is under control and exports have…
Although economic freedom has worsened and political instability persists, state finances have improved and taxation is low. North Macedonia’s economy has struggled under the weight of elevated inflation, but this is falling and foreign investment…
North Korea’s autocratic regime is the most repressed globally for economic freedom, which propagates corruption, but sanctions could bring the country to the negotiating table. The command economy has been crippled by these sanctions, and remains…
Weakness in the rule of law is negatively impacting economic freedom in Nigeria, as does pervasive corruption. Significant reliance on the oil sector can lead to volatile economic development, whilst persistently high inflation is adversely affecting…
The political climate in Niger is marked by corruption and external influences, including the presence of terrorist groups and foreign military aid. Economically, the country is poised for above-average growth, heavily reliant on agriculture and…
An authoritarian regime using violence has reduced peace in Nicaragua and caused political instability. Consequently, the economy has suffered a prolonged recession, which has been exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A major trade…
New Zealand’s business climate is dynamic and ‘mostly free’ for economic freedom, whilst corruption is not a problem, but political instability is rising owing to the scheduled general election in October 2023. As inflation continues to trouble…
Significant divisions exist between New Caledonia’s indigenous population and its European counterparts, creating political instability. Substantial reliance on nickel is a risk for the economy, which was in recession in 2020. The prospect of…
Political upheaval has been caused by transitioning to a new constitution, whilst economic freedom is suppressed, given ineffective observance of the rule of law. The economy could outperform peers, owing to strength in agriculture and greater…
Nauru’s political landscape is stable, but is sometimes autocratic in nature. The country’s biggest challenge is to diversify the economy away from phosphate production. Nevertheless, planned infrastructure projects could enhance Nauru’s appeal. Its…
Namibia has a relatively stable political environment, reflecting positive economic prospects. Investment in telecommunications is set to boost revenue growth in the coming years. Rapid population and consumption growth indicate a demographic…
Myanmar’s military has created significant instability for the country, whilst corruption continues to be rife and economic freedom has worsened. High inflation is causing the economy to stall and the foreign investment climate has worsened…
Although state finances are set to improve through higher taxation, economic freedom is challenging and corruption persists. Owing to lower agricultural output, the economy has slowed down markedly, but inflation is under control and fertiliser…
In Mozambique, ongoing conflict and corruption exacerbate economic challenges. The economy is hindered by high unemployment and reliance on agriculture. The young and growing population remains impoverished, facing healthcare and educational hurdles,…
Mongolia is a peaceful country, but with high levels of corruption and fragile governance. The economic growth should accelerate in 2023, supported by the vast mining sector, but the country’s dependence on this sector leaves it vulnerable.…
Although Monaco enjoys political stability, questions remain over transparency in financial services. Given that tourism is a significant revenue earner, Monaco’s economy experienced a severe recession stemming from the Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Although Moldova is ‘moderately free’ for economic freedom, Russia’s influence operations may spur instability. Economic growth to rebound over the near term, outperforming regional average. The population is shrinking and ageing rapidly, which…