Country profile

Jamaica: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Jamaica is especially relevant in the Nomadino comparison when comparing travel, accommodation and visitor usability as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses. The current data points to a solid overall picture; its strongest main categories are Travel & Vacation and Costs, while Conflicts & Political Security, Personal Services and Beaches, Nature & Relaxation stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness more closely, because the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, LGBTQ+ Friendliness and Safety & Crime.

Overall rating 58.27 points
Global rank Rank 134 globally
Continental rank Rank 35 in North America

View main country ranking

Decision areas

The following entry points link directly to detailed articles that are especially relevant for relocation, longer stays, daily life and travel planning.

Key questions about Jamaica

Why is Jamaica especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by travel, accommodation and visitor usability as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses; its strongest main categories are Travel & Vacation and Costs.

Which topics stand out positively for Jamaica?

Conflicts & Political Security, Personal Services and Beaches, Nature & Relaxation show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, LGBTQ+ Friendliness and Safety & Crime.

How important is travel, accommodation and longer trips for Jamaica?

The detailed articles below help check whether the rating fits residence, work, costs, healthcare, safety or travel.

Strengths and weaknesses

This section only shows categories, topic areas and indicators where Jamaica ranks in the top three or bottom three globally or continentally and shares the same score with no more than two other countries. Global ranks take priority over continental ranks.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Comparisons and related countries

Jamaica is especially useful to compare with United States, Portugal and Spain, because those countries sit closer to its overall rating profile. Denmark and Germany work as contrast comparisons when travel, accommodation and visitor usability as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses need to be weighed against different priorities; infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness still deserve closer attention.

All ratings and indicators for Jamaica

58 topic areas and 342 indicators are linked directly in the static HTML. Categories and topic areas are collapsed to keep the country profile easy to scan.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Risk ShowHide

Safety & Crime

6 indicators

34
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 225 globally 27
Petty Crime Index
Rank 207 globally 33
Women's Safety
Rank 199 globally 37
Organized Crime
Rank 149 globally 46
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 189 globally 55
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 204 globally 1
82
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 150 globally 82
Political Violence
Rank 145 globally 74
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 119 globally 85
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

50
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 40 globally 69
Storm Risk
Rank 197 globally 26
Earthquake Risk
Rank 187 globally 34
Drought Risk
Rank 134 globally 60
Wildfire Risk
Rank 98 globally 50
Landslide Risk
Rank 187 globally 35
Tsunami Risk
Rank 155 globally 48
Volcano Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

65
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 108 globally 66
Internet Censorship
Rank 114 globally 69
Internet Freedom
Rank 105 globally 66
Data Protection Laws
Rank 113 globally 52
VPN Access
Rank 105 globally 74
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 122 globally 57
53
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 114 globally 52
Property Rights Security
Rank 101 globally 57
Corruption Perception
Rank 112 globally 47
Police Effectiveness
Rank 137 globally 54
Expropriation Risk
Rank 97 globally 61
Extradition Risk
Rank 86 globally 46

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

56
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 152 globally 53
Economic Resilience
Rank 132 globally 58
Government Efficiency
Rank 120 globally 56
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 119 globally 56
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

59
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 133 globally 57
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 103 globally 69
Emergency Care
Rank 132 globally 55
Medicine Access
Rank 125 globally 63
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 122 globally 58
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 116 globally 65
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 92 globally 75
Doctor Density
Rank 177 globally 17
Hospital Beds
Rank 150 globally 30
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 110 globally 92
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 148 globally 44
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 133 globally 48

Environmental Health

6 indicators

60
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 112 globally 72
Noise Pollution
Rank 148 globally 48
UV Radiation
Rank 169 globally 14
Tap Water Safety
Rank 102 globally 88
Sanitation
Rank 102 globally 77
Waste Management
Rank 180 globally 15
67
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 148 globally 62
Infectious Diseases
Rank 62 globally 84
Obesity Rate
Rank 193 globally 56
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 147 globally 37
Mental Health
Rank 83 globally 67
Suicide Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Maternal Mortality
Rank 171 globally 39
Vaccination Rate
Rank 33 globally 97
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 42 globally 80
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 162 globally 71
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

73
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 63 globally 90
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 98 globally 56
Social Security Burden
Rank 28 globally 91
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 141 globally 48
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 137 globally 68
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 162 globally 98
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 171 globally 52
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 119 globally 22
64
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 43 globally 71
Capital Market Depth
Rank 88 globally 66
Business Credit Access
Rank 115 globally 60
Investor Protection
Rank 94 globally 58
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 69 globally 65
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 67 globally 75
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 117 globally 55
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 116 globally 55

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

63
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 92 globally 46
Banking Stability
Rank 111 globally 76
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 84 globally 83
Fintech Development
Rank 131 globally 53
ATM Availability
Rank 127 globally 73
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 144 globally 44
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 103 globally 23
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

38
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 86 globally 35
Crypto Regulation
Rank 98 globally 45
Legal Status
Rank 101 globally 48
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 86 globally 20
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 166 globally 48
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 42 globally 29

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

77
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 43 globally 80
Transaction Costs
Rank 82 globally 78
Affordability
Rank 75 globally 75
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 50 globally 74
56
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 107 globally 38
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 103 globally 66
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 88 globally 59
Days to Register a Company
Rank 48 globally 65

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

63
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 144 globally 52
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 171 globally 72
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 179 globally 39
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 209 globally 52
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 79 globally 63
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 4 globally 99
Central Bank Independence
Rank 114 globally 66
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 46 globally 74
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 62 globally 84
40
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 128 globally 34
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 162 globally 20
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 55 globally 88
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 201 globally 51
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 162 globally 47
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 139 globally 30
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

58
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 119 globally 42
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 116 globally 55
Electricity Cost
Rank 188 globally 43
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 137 globally 90

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

57
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 108 globally 50
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 148 globally 43
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 123 globally 51
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 104 globally 67
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 131 globally 53
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 107 globally 67
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 86 globally 72

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

75
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 129 globally 59
Burger Menu Price
Rank 136 globally 74
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 117 globally 75
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 70 globally 87
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 72 globally 92
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 81 globally 86
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 88 globally 83
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 97 globally 71
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 119 globally 82

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

72
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 133 globally 87
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 135 globally 61
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 133 globally 79
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 134 globally 87
Car Purchase Index
Rank 130 globally 5
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 151 globally 90
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 140 globally 88
63
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 108 globally 60
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 150 globally 55
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 158 globally 66
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 140 globally 82
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 104 globally 64

Personal Services

4 indicators

80
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 118 globally 77
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 98 globally 84
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 95 globally 84
Local Services Cost
Rank 113 globally 76
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
23
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 129 globally 23
Rail Network Density
Rank 134 globally 1
Airport Connectivity
Rank 105 globally 41
Port Connectivity
Rank 74 globally 28
49
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 140 globally 40
Traffic Congestion
Rank 139 globally 45
Road Density
Rank 26 globally 75
Traffic Deaths
Rank 113 globally 72
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 130 globally 6

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

57
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 141 globally 78
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 187 globally 15
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 162 globally 18
CO2 Intensity
Rank 194 globally 21
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
44
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 107 globally 52
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 116 globally 40
Mobile Speed
Rank 109 globally 55
5G Coverage
Rank 98 globally 15

Public Transport

4 indicators

42
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 98 globally 48
Transit Punctuality
Rank 120 globally 52
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 111 globally 12
Walkability Score
Rank 104 globally 52
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

51
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 93 globally 56
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 208 globally 33
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 85 globally 62
Burnout Risk
Rank 64 globally 62
Public Holidays
Rank 136 globally 44

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

78
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 41 globally 72
Sunshine Hours
Rank 30 globally 94
Humidity Comfort
Rank 155 globally 56
Rainy Days
Rank 118 globally 64
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 108 globally 91
Seasonal Variation
Rank 43 globally 94

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

68
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 22 globally 87
Mountain Access
Rank 108 globally 40
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 96 globally 66
Biodiversity Index
Rank 68 globally 74
Forest Cover
Rank 38 globally 75

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

57
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 88 globally 47
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 59 globally 72
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 95 globally 44
Recovery Time
Rank 137 globally 64

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

39
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 114 globally 29
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 136 globally 10
Music & Nightlife
Rank 53 globally 55
Cinema Density
Rank 108 globally 18
Cultural Freedom
Rank 88 globally 62
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 67 globally 72
51
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 64 globally 48
Restaurant Density
Rank 75 globally 54
Street Food Scene
Rank 58 globally 51
Local Market Quality
Rank 82 globally 54
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 86 globally 45
Local Freshness
Rank 88 globally 57
Local Authenticity
Rank 62 globally 47

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

47
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 128 globally 88
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 162 globally 23
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 72 globally 27
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 117 globally 71
Child Safety Score
Rank 137 globally 55
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 94 globally 20
Playground Density
Rank 105 globally 48

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

51
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 132 globally 40
Veterinary Quality
Rank 104 globally 55
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 124 globally 55
Pet Food Prices
Rank 133 globally 52
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 94 globally 45
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 61 globally 55
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 102 globally 55
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
61
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 116 globally 69
E-Government
Rank 128 globally 65
Visa Processing Time
Rank 133 globally 55
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 118 globally 60
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 117 globally 60
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 117 globally 44
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 109 globally 62
79
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 2 globally 95
Visa Application Ease
Rank 116 globally 64
Border Openness
Rank 69 globally 83
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 101 globally 61
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 6 globally 97
53
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 98 globally 43
Remote Work Legality
Rank 172 globally 44
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 115 globally 65
Remote Job Market
Rank 78 globally 69
Coworking Density
Rank 90 globally 46
Nomad Community
Rank 75 globally 50
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 118 globally 52
62
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 114 globally 61
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 114 globally 63
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 117 globally 60
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 103 globally 61
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 121 globally 57
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 86 globally 73
61
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 78 globally 64
Family Reunification
Rank 115 globally 65
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 93 globally 70
Residence Status Stability
Rank 117 globally 62
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 111 globally 60
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 135 globally 37
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 57 globally 90
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

73
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 14 globally 94
Local Language Barrier
Rank 21 globally 95
Integration Ease
Rank 70 globally 72
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 75 globally 70
Expat Community Size
Rank 133 globally 33
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 53 globally 74
International Schools
Rank 73 globally 50
56
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 96 globally 64
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 105 globally 50
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 114 globally 55
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 104 globally 53
53
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 111 globally 57
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 163 globally 39
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 111 globally 57
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 116 globally 55
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 110 globally 61
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
59
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 107 globally 58
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 112 globally 59
Accommodation Availability
Rank 89 globally 58
Booking & Transparency
Rank 111 globally 61

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

63
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 103 globally 51
Digital Travel Services
Rank 119 globally 58
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 113 globally 68
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 67 globally 75
64
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 97 globally 49
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 69 globally 71
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 53 globally 77
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 83 globally 58
80
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 35 globally 87
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 46 globally 78
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 62 globally 75

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

76
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 146 globally 73
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 151 globally 73
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 121 globally 82
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 135 globally 80
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 187 globally 69
75
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 121 globally 84
Off-Season Usability
Rank 98 globally 71
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 102 globally 67
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 166 globally 78
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

72
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 88 globally 65
Democracy Index
Rank 78 globally 71
Personal Freedom
Rank 84 globally 70
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 64 globally 78

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

64
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 149 globally 90
PISA Score
Rank 106 globally 40
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 127 globally 35
Education Expenditure
Rank 41 globally 92
School Life Expectancy
Rank 145 globally 65
37
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 91 globally 25
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 95 globally 25
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 127 globally 27
Gini Index
Rank 197 globally 29
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 82 globally 50
Housing Support Score
Rank 131 globally 36
Social Mobility Score
Rank 132 globally 42
Social Cohesion
Rank 109 globally 55
53
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 120 globally 57
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 119 globally 54
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 118 globally 50
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 117 globally 49
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 121 globally 49

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

25
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 158 globally 12
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 133 globally 33
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 149 globally 31
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 150 globally 26
Pride Culture
Rank 150 globally 22
52
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 110 globally 48
Public Accessibility
Rank 108 globally 50
Digital Accessibility
Rank 104 globally 53
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 99 globally 58

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

64
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 77 globally 82
Secularization Score
Rank 110 globally 43
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 71 globally 42
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 94 globally 69

Demography

10 indicators

53
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 109 globally 63
Fertility Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Population Growth
Rank 180 globally 24
Net Migration Rate
Rank 194 globally 33
Urbanization Rate
Rank 138 globally 49
Foreign Population Share
Rank 162 globally 30
Population Density
Rank 177 globally 47
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 131 globally 50
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 53 globally 90
Single-Person Households
Rank 102 globally 35