Sustainability

Zambia has many challenges, including pervasive corruption, a weak rule of law, and massive external debt. Economic development could be hampered by its heavy debt burden, whilst vast copper deposits expose the country to global commodity price…

Trinidad and Tobago is wealthy and stable; however, it is held back by a weak judiciary and high levels of corruption. Real GDP growth should return to the economy in 2021, after the deleterious effect that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had in…

Political stability is being addressed by the Solih government, in particular state corruption. Economic growth should return in 2021, following the deleterious effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, but the country needs to move…

Haiti suffers from considerable political instability and corruption is rife. Economic development will be severely hindered in the short term, owing to the devastation caused by the 2021 earthquake and the unstable political landscape, with…

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…

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 the unification of the currency is likely to lead…

Endemic corruption and autocratic rule characterise Chad, whilst the threat of terrorism from neighbouring countries persists. Relatively solid economic recovery is expected in the short term, thanks to the oil sector, whilst potential for foreign…

Economic freedom in Benin is improving, but democracy is being eroded by a more authoritarian style of governance. Strength in agriculture will support solid economic development in the medium term, but reliance on Nigeria is a risk for the external…

Albania is advancing with its programme to join the European Union (EU), but the large informal economy and endemic problems still hold it back. Annual real GDP growth should return in 2021, but several vulnerabilities could cloud the outlook.…

St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth should return in 2021, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty remains an…

Dependence on the Netherlands for fiscal support is a source of uncertainty for Sint Maarten. Crime rates are high and the country’s sovereign credit has been downgraded. Excessive reliance on tourism caused a severe recession, given the impact of…

Pakistan is one of the least environmentally sustainable countries globally. A large share of the population is living below the poverty line lacking access to electricity, affordable food and drinking water. The country’s air is heavily polluted by…

The repressive Assad regime has created political instability and endemic corruption. Economic development is being hampered by international sanctions and the negative effects of the civil war. Currency depreciation will result in huge inflationary…

Sustainability issues are pushing forward a new chapter in how people get around in cities. From using shared mobility, to buying electric vehicles, urban mobility is a fast-changing industry. The briefing examines urban mobility trends, focusing on…

Although generally stable and democratic, Jamaica is failing to control organised crime and corruption. Economic growth is slowly returning following the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the country is over-reliant on the US.…

Canada was among the best performers in the Environmental Sustainability Index in 2020, owing to high renewable energy integration into electricity production, ample water to supply for its population’s needs, and one of the most affordable food…

Bulgaria holds substantial forest area, with the lion’s share of the country’s marine and terrestrial land under protection. Nonetheless, the country struggles to ensure universal access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation, while…

Argentina boasts one of the strongest agricultural sectors globally and plentiful renewable water reserves. However, the country remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy generation and transportation, which, combined with heavy methane…

The political situation in Rwanda is relatively stable, but is undermined by endemic corruption. Economic growth should return in 2021, despite the ongoing deleterious impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; however, the external sector will…

Mali’s membership of the WAEMU helps provide much-needed stability to a country with a tumultuous political landscape. Real GDP growth is forecast to return in 2021, but the economy suffers from a narrow focus. Mali’s youthful population is…