Country profile

Kenya: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Kenya is best read in the Nomadino comparison through the lens of everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability. The current data points to a mixed overall picture; its strongest main categories are Costs and Travel & Vacation, while Dining & Going Out, Personal Services and Vacation Costs stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability more closely, because the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Social System & Social Cohesion and Internet & Connectivity.

Overall rating 53.44 points
Global rank Rank 166 globally
Continental rank Rank 16 in Africa

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 Kenya

Why is Kenya especially relevant in this comparison?

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

Which topics stand out positively for Kenya?

Dining & Going Out, Personal Services and Vacation Costs show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Social System & Social Cohesion and Internet & Connectivity.

How important is lower-cost living and longer stays for Kenya?

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 Kenya 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

Kenya 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 everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability need to be weighed against different priorities; social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability still deserve closer attention.

Static comparisons

  • Kenya vs. Portugal
    Portugal performs about 39 points better on Society & Participation than Kenya.
  • Kenya vs. Spain
    Spain performs about 38 points better on Society & Participation than Kenya.
  • Kenya vs. Germany
    Germany performs about 42 points better on Society & Participation than Kenya.
  • Kenya vs. Denmark
    Denmark performs about 49 points better on Society & Participation than Kenya.
  • Kenya vs. United States
    Kenya performs about 43 points better on Costs than United States.

All ratings and indicators for Kenya

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

50
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 144 globally 84
Petty Crime Index
Rank 176 globally 41
Women's Safety
Rank 173 globally 44
Organized Crime
Rank 203 globally 35
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 199 globally 45
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 204 globally 1
52
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 199 globally 50
Political Violence
Rank 197 globally 43
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 183 globally 69
Terrorism Risk
Rank 209 globally 49

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

58
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 104 globally 49
Storm Risk
Rank 43 globally 92
Earthquake Risk
Rank 101 globally 69
Drought Risk
Rank 186 globally 42
Wildfire Risk
Rank 136 globally 43
Landslide Risk
Rank 178 globally 37
Tsunami Risk
Rank 133 globally 53
Volcano Risk
Rank 195 globally 55

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

52
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 150 globally 53
Internet Censorship
Rank 168 globally 49
Internet Freedom
Rank 155 globally 51
Data Protection Laws
Rank 116 globally 51
VPN Access
Rank 151 globally 60
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 170 globally 50
42
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 151 globally 44
Property Rights Security
Rank 155 globally 44
Corruption Perception
Rank 170 globally 31
Police Effectiveness
Rank 175 globally 44
Expropriation Risk
Rank 154 globally 42
Extradition Risk
Rank 57 globally 50

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

48
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 192 globally 40
Economic Resilience
Rank 145 globally 56
Government Efficiency
Rank 155 globally 48
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 155 globally 49
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

48
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 178 globally 44
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 158 globally 58
Emergency Care
Rank 173 globally 42
Medicine Access
Rank 170 globally 51
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 173 globally 44
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 153 globally 57
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 108 globally 70
Doctor Density
Rank 185 globally 11
Hospital Beds
Rank 165 globally 25
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 186 globally 64
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 64 globally 69
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 133 globally 48

Environmental Health

6 indicators

44
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 152 globally 57
Noise Pollution
Rank 201 globally 36
UV Radiation
Rank 161 globally 15
Tap Water Safety
Rank 164 globally 58
Sanitation
Rank 170 globally 39
Waste Management
Rank 137 globally 31
52
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 206 globally 40
Infectious Diseases
Rank 196 globally 39
Obesity Rate
Rank 31 globally 86
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 191 globally 20
Mental Health
Rank 190 globally 51
Suicide Rate
Rank 128 globally 54
Maternal Mortality
Rank 176 globally 37
Vaccination Rate
Rank 127 globally 88
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 39 globally 81
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 12 globally 90
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

70
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 70 globally 89
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 130 globally 46
Social Security Burden
Rank 74 globally 82
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 131 globally 49
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 143 globally 68
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 67 globally 89
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 114 globally 65
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 105 globally 28
55
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 132 globally 62
Capital Market Depth
Rank 133 globally 59
Business Credit Access
Rank 133 globally 57
Investor Protection
Rank 161 globally 41
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 157 globally 43
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 127 globally 69
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 127 globally 51
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 96 globally 60

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

59
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 100 globally 45
Banking Stability
Rank 141 globally 72
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 149 globally 76
Fintech Development
Rank 77 globally 78
ATM Availability
Rank 201 globally 30
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 170 globally 38
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 103 globally 23
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

51
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 33 globally 64
Crypto Regulation
Rank 123 globally 41
Legal Status
Rank 95 globally 50
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 27 globally 44
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 75 globally 81
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 75 globally 17

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

56
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 143 globally 30
Transaction Costs
Rank 84 globally 75
Affordability
Rank 154 globally 52
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 16 globally 84
40
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 25
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 179 globally 42
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 108 globally 57
Days to Register a Company
Rank 170 globally 40

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

62
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 178 globally 38
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 157 globally 77
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 158 globally 46
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 53 globally 87
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 148 globally 52
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 134 globally 79
Central Bank Independence
Rank 133 globally 64
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 122 globally 60
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 109 globally 75
38
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 160 globally 22
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 151 globally 23
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 114 globally 76
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 38 globally 81
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 174 globally 41
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 169 globally 20
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

70
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 77 globally 53
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 38 globally 76
Electricity Cost
Rank 139 globally 60
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 75 globally 96

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

81
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 31 globally 82
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 31 globally 89
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 61 globally 77
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 122 globally 63
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 16 globally 90
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 69 globally 85
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 86 globally 72

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

92
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 53 globally 84
Burger Menu Price
Rank 51 globally 97
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 48 globally 90
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 31 globally 96
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 14 globally 96
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 34 globally 95
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 43 globally 85
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 29 globally 97

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

75
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 46 globally 96
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 138 globally 60
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 133 globally 79
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 76 globally 95
Car Purchase Index
Rank 153 globally 1
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 82 globally 95
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 106 globally 92
83
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 74 globally 70
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 33 globally 89
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 25 globally 96
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 48 globally 95
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 18 globally 80

Personal Services

4 indicators

91
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 58 globally 89
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 51 globally 95
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 47 globally 92
Local Services Cost
Rank 66 globally 88
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
33
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 76 globally 40
Rail Network Density
Rank 100 globally 15
Airport Connectivity
Rank 105 globally 41
Port Connectivity
Rank 57 globally 35
36
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 117 globally 45
Traffic Congestion
Rank 211 globally 30
Road Density
Rank 114 globally 57
Traffic Deaths
Rank 209 globally 28
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 115 globally 8

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

70
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 162 globally 62
Electrification Rate
Rank 175 globally 75
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 115 globally 45
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 16 globally 90
CO2 Intensity
Rank 44 globally 66
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
30
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 135 globally 42
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 168 globally 8
Mobile Speed
Rank 135 globally 47
5G Coverage
Rank 113 globally 10

Public Transport

4 indicators

39
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 103 globally 45
Transit Punctuality
Rank 142 globally 50
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 131 globally 10
Walkability Score
Rank 123 globally 50
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

49
/ 100
ShowHide
Annual Working Hours
Rank 171 globally 40
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 70 globally 70
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 183 globally 46
Burnout Risk
Rank 156 globally 42
Public Holidays
Rank 92 globally 48

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

87
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 4 globally 87
Sunshine Hours
Rank 113 globally 81
Humidity Comfort
Rank 24 globally 96
Rainy Days
Rank 67 globally 72
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 53 globally 94
Seasonal Variation
Rank 43 globally 94

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

60
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 83 globally 71
Mountain Access
Rank 46 globally 66
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 141 globally 46
Biodiversity Index
Rank 25 globally 84
Forest Cover
Rank 191 globally 8

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

42
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 145 globally 31
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 176 globally 44
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 129 globally 35
Recovery Time
Rank 166 globally 60

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

38
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 158 globally 20
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 47 globally 38
Music & Nightlife
Rank 80 globally 45
Cinema Density
Rank 108 globally 18
Cultural Freedom
Rank 134 globally 48
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 73 globally 70
46
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 93 globally 42
Restaurant Density
Rank 94 globally 48
Street Food Scene
Rank 86 globally 45
Local Market Quality
Rank 97 globally 51
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 114 globally 39
Local Freshness
Rank 103 globally 54
Local Authenticity
Rank 105 globally 40

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

41
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 57 globally 96
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 118 globally 27
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 157 globally 19
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 172 globally 57
Child Safety Score
Rank 162 globally 48
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 147 globally 10
Playground Density
Rank 165 globally 30

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

51
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 119 globally 45
Veterinary Quality
Rank 145 globally 40
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 33 globally 72
Pet Food Prices
Rank 36 globally 68
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 109 globally 40
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 105 globally 50
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 134 globally 45
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
56
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 143 globally 63
E-Government
Rank 155 globally 57
Visa Processing Time
Rank 57 globally 62
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 147 globally 54
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 167 globally 45
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 125 globally 42
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 150 globally 51
53
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 129 globally 35
Visa Application Ease
Rank 149 globally 55
Border Openness
Rank 160 globally 46
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 147 globally 48
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
47
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 142 globally 35
Remote Work Legality
Rank 164 globally 45
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 147 globally 56
Remote Job Market
Rank 128 globally 57
Coworking Density
Rank 86 globally 48
Nomad Community
Rank 95 globally 44
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 146 globally 43
52
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 155 globally 51
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 149 globally 56
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 151 globally 52
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 143 globally 52
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 163 globally 44
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 148 globally 53
49
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 124 globally 42
Family Reunification
Rank 152 globally 52
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 132 globally 56
Residence Status Stability
Rank 155 globally 53
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 146 globally 51
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 155 globally 27
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 57 globally 90
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

58
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 57 globally 69
Local Language Barrier
Rank 61 globally 68
Integration Ease
Rank 121 globally 63
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 128 globally 58
Expat Community Size
Rank 158 globally 28
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 117 globally 61
International Schools
Rank 112 globally 44
47
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 122 globally 55
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 139 globally 39
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 127 globally 49
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 131 globally 44
46
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 146 globally 48
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 185 globally 34
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 145 globally 50
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 151 globally 47
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 132 globally 57
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
48
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 148 globally 46
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 152 globally 47
Accommodation Availability
Rank 119 globally 49
Booking & Transparency
Rank 151 globally 50

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

55
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 118 globally 45
Digital Travel Services
Rank 134 globally 53
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 132 globally 63
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 133 globally 60
57
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 91 globally 50
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 129 globally 58
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 87 globally 68
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 110 globally 51
73
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 85 globally 72
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 106 globally 65
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 35 globally 82

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

90
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 75 globally 90
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 76 globally 91
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 62 globally 91
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 100 globally 87
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 1 globally 88
74
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 112 globally 85
Off-Season Usability
Rank 113 globally 68
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 155 globally 58
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 81 globally 85
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

51
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 160 globally 41
Democracy Index
Rank 151 globally 46
Personal Freedom
Rank 146 globally 58
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 134 globally 55

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

52
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 174 globally 82
PISA Score
Rank 170 globally 16
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 192 globally 12
Education Expenditure
Rank 41 globally 92
School Life Expectancy
Rank 183 globally 57
24
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 0
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 151 globally 0
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 188 globally 13
Gini Index
Rank 143 globally 51
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 144 globally 25
Housing Support Score
Rank 173 globally 21
Social Mobility Score
Rank 167 globally 30
Social Cohesion
Rank 171 globally 42
45
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 152 globally 49
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 155 globally 46
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 140 globally 41
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 142 globally 40
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 142 globally 41

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

22
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 188 globally 10
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 153 globally 27
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 153 globally 30
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 160 globally 25
Pride Culture
Rank 168 globally 18
35
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 173 globally 30
Public Accessibility
Rank 166 globally 36
Digital Accessibility
Rank 156 globally 39
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 172 globally 38

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

58
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 139 globally 70
Secularization Score
Rank 147 globally 37
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 31 globally 52
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 140 globally 62

Demography

10 indicators

54
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 32 globally 88
Fertility Rate
Rank 136 globally 60
Population Growth
Rank 42 globally 66
Net Migration Rate
Rank 103 globally 48
Urbanization Rate
Rank 202 globally 16
Foreign Population Share
Rank 186 globally 25
Population Density
Rank 101 globally 60
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 131 globally 50
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 22 globally 91
Single-Person Households
Rank 136 globally 19