Country profile

Latvia: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Latvia is especially relevant in the Nomadino comparison when comparing residence, visas and settling abroad as well as healthcare and medical protection. The current data points to a strong overall picture; its strongest main categories are Relocation & Residency and Health, while Environmental Health, Communication & Digital Costs and Season & Travel Comfort stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses more closely, because the largest deductions come from Food & Basic Goods, Outdoor & Lifestyle and Housing & Utilities.

Overall rating 72.12 points
Global rank Rank 33 globally
Continental rank Rank 26 in Europe

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 Latvia

Why is Latvia especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by residence, visas and settling abroad as well as healthcare and medical protection; its strongest main categories are Relocation & Residency and Health.

Which topics stand out positively for Latvia?

Environmental Health, Communication & Digital Costs and Season & Travel Comfort show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from Food & Basic Goods, Outdoor & Lifestyle and Housing & Utilities.

How important is relocation, residence and settling in for Latvia?

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 Latvia 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

Latvia 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 residence, visas and settling abroad as well as healthcare and medical protection need to be weighed against different priorities; climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses still deserve closer attention.

All ratings and indicators for Latvia

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

74
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 102 globally 90
Petty Crime Index
Rank 57 globally 70
Women's Safety
Rank 55 globally 70
Organized Crime
Rank 56 globally 64
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 49 globally 88
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 123 globally 38
83
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 150 globally 82
Political Violence
Rank 83 globally 83
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 153 globally 79
Terrorism Risk
Rank 138 globally 98

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

77
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 164 globally 39
Storm Risk
Rank 94 globally 77
Earthquake Risk
Rank 5 globally 95
Drought Risk
Rank 28 globally 84
Wildfire Risk
Rank 51 globally 76
Landslide Risk
Rank 14 globally 88
Tsunami Risk
Rank 51 globally 90
Volcano Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

84
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 22 globally 82
Internet Censorship
Rank 26 globally 86
Internet Freedom
Rank 21 globally 83
Data Protection Laws
Rank 15 globally 90
VPN Access
Rank 37 globally 87
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 50 globally 70
67
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 60 globally 70
Property Rights Security
Rank 62 globally 69
Corruption Perception
Rank 64 globally 63
Police Effectiveness
Rank 50 globally 73
Expropriation Risk
Rank 44 globally 74
Extradition Risk
Rank 193 globally 33

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

72
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 50 globally 74
Economic Resilience
Rank 58 globally 67
Government Efficiency
Rank 60 globally 73
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 18 globally 78
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

72
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 42 globally 73
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 96 globally 70
Emergency Care
Rank 45 globally 73
Medicine Access
Rank 62 globally 73
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 50 globally 74
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 49 globally 75
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 159 globally 56
Doctor Density
Rank 48 globally 74
Hospital Beds
Rank 31 globally 66
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 82 globally 95
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 136 globally 48
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 59 globally 66

Environmental Health

6 indicators

88
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 67 globally 85
Noise Pollution
Rank 51 globally 68
UV Radiation
Rank 4 globally 90
Tap Water Safety
Rank 51 globally 97
Sanitation
Rank 47 globally 93
Waste Management
Rank 11 globally 89
73
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 92 globally 76
Infectious Diseases
Rank 62 globally 84
Obesity Rate
Rank 108 globally 72
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 13 globally 82
Mental Health
Rank 91 globally 66
Suicide Rate
Rank 180 globally 45
Maternal Mortality
Rank 80 globally 75
Vaccination Rate
Rank 39 globally 96
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 226 globally 24
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 171 globally 70
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

57
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 77
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 154 globally 44
Social Security Burden
Rank 193 globally 49
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 204 globally 34
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 200 globally 46
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 58
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 93 globally 70
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 47 globally 74
73
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 71 globally 68
Capital Market Depth
Rank 68 globally 70
Business Credit Access
Rank 34 globally 76
Investor Protection
Rank 51 globally 71
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 20 globally 78
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 107 globally 71
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 25 globally 78
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 32 globally 78

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

70
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 39 globally 66
Banking Stability
Rank 80 globally 78
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 38 globally 88
Fintech Development
Rank 51 globally 93
ATM Availability
Rank 74 globally 81
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 170 globally 38
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 176 globally 5
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 193 globally 56

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

63
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 22 globally 72
Crypto Regulation
Rank 28 globally 77
Legal Status
Rank 18 globally 84
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 37 globally 34
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 143 globally 54
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 50 globally 27

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

85
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 24 globally 85
Transaction Costs
Rank 30 globally 85
Affordability
Rank 17 globally 85
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 16 globally 84
69
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 60 globally 50
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 65 globally 83
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 69 globally 61
Days to Register a Company
Rank 3 globally 92

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

73
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 63 globally 75
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 69 globally 93
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 87 globally 67
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 207 globally 55
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 29 globally 72
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 97 globally 89
Central Bank Independence
Rank 42 globally 79
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 189 globally 32
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 115 globally 74
63
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 77 globally 57
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 70 globally 50
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 138 globally 69
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 20 globally 91
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 76 globally 73
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 73 globally 58
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

47
/ 100
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City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 148 globally 36
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 141 globally 51
Electricity Cost
Rank 171 globally 45
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 209 globally 48
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 167 globally 84

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

42
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 108 globally 50
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 152 globally 42
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 168 globally 31
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 170 globally 43
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 164 globally 43
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 168 globally 41
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 143 globally 54

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

72
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 129 globally 59
Burger Menu Price
Rank 143 globally 71
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 135 globally 70
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 111 globally 78
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 109 globally 89
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 81 globally 86
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 121 globally 75
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 69 globally 78
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 148 globally 71

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

66
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 153 globally 79
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 175 globally 46
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 126 globally 82
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 148 globally 85
Car Purchase Index
Rank 75 globally 25
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 207 globally 53
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 159 globally 83
86
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 25 globally 86
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 44 globally 86
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 54 globally 92
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 33 globally 98
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 84 globally 67

Personal Services

4 indicators

73
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 133 globally 70
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 119 globally 76
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 111 globally 78
Local Services Cost
Rank 131 globally 67
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
61
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 55 globally 53
Rail Network Density
Rank 18 globally 83
Airport Connectivity
Rank 32 globally 73
Port Connectivity
Rank 86 globally 25
68
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 57 globally 64
Traffic Congestion
Rank 87 globally 56
Road Density
Rank 64 globally 69
Traffic Deaths
Rank 77 globally 82
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 22 globally 74

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

82
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 19 globally 98
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 92 globally 55
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 62 globally 55
CO2 Intensity
Rank 28 globally 78
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
72
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 35 globally 83
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 76 globally 65
Mobile Speed
Rank 47 globally 77
5G Coverage
Rank 51 globally 50

Public Transport

4 indicators

69
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 32 globally 72
Transit Punctuality
Rank 25 globally 78
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 22 globally 55
Walkability Score
Rank 33 globally 68
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

62
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 59 globally 66
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 81 globally 67
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 85 globally 62
Burnout Risk
Rank 64 globally 62
Public Holidays
Rank 63 globally 52

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

57
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 203 globally 33
Sunshine Hours
Rank 204 globally 56
Humidity Comfort
Rank 130 globally 61
Rainy Days
Rank 144 globally 60
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 1 globally 100
Seasonal Variation
Rank 211 globally 48

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

44
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 158 globally 41
Mountain Access
Rank 206 globally 5
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 100 globally 63
Biodiversity Index
Rank 168 globally 51
Forest Cover
Rank 43 globally 73

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

72
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 41 globally 69
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 47 globally 75
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 40 globally 67
Recovery Time
Rank 51 globally 77

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

60
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 33 globally 75
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 74 globally 27
Music & Nightlife
Rank 46 globally 58
Cinema Density
Rank 38 globally 52
Cultural Freedom
Rank 22 globally 85
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 84 globally 69
49
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 101 globally 41
Restaurant Density
Rank 92 globally 49
Street Food Scene
Rank 112 globally 40
Local Market Quality
Rank 72 globally 57
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 78 globally 47
Local Freshness
Rank 58 globally 66
Local Authenticity
Rank 105 globally 40

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

62
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 126 globally 89
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 45 globally 50
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 38 globally 48
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 81 globally 79
Child Safety Score
Rank 43 globally 78
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 115 globally 18
Playground Density
Rank 48 globally 70

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

69
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 15 globally 88
Veterinary Quality
Rank 39 globally 78
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 117 globally 58
Pet Food Prices
Rank 119 globally 55
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 39 globally 70
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 48 globally 58
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 27 globally 75
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
83
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 26 globally 85
E-Government
Rank 14 globally 92
Visa Processing Time
Rank 27 globally 70
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 6 globally 90
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 34 globally 84
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 38 globally 73
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 35 globally 89
83
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 38 globally 75
Visa Application Ease
Rank 39 globally 80
Border Openness
Rank 28 globally 92
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 34 globally 83
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 106 globally 89
72
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 20 globally 75
Remote Work Legality
Rank 71 globally 65
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 27 globally 87
Remote Job Market
Rank 38 globally 80
Coworking Density
Rank 53 globally 62
Nomad Community
Rank 56 globally 57
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 66 globally 72
86
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 31 globally 87
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 23 globally 86
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 34 globally 79
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 25 globally 87
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 26 globally 86
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 20 globally 90
78
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 10 globally 80
Family Reunification
Rank 28 globally 89
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 48 globally 75
Residence Status Stability
Rank 26 globally 87
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 32 globally 85
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 48 globally 94
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 178 globally 60
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

65
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 92 globally 59
Local Language Barrier
Rank 80 globally 65
Integration Ease
Rank 74 globally 71
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 48 globally 75
Expat Community Size
Rank 46 globally 56
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 53 globally 74
International Schools
Rank 53 globally 54
73
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 77 globally 70
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 48 globally 75
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 56 globally 74
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 56 globally 71
80
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 35 globally 80
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 38 globally 65
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 21 globally 85
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 14 globally 88
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 22 globally 86
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
80
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 45 globally 79
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 38 globally 84
Accommodation Availability
Rank 52 globally 71
Booking & Transparency
Rank 34 globally 86

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

85
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 30 globally 80
Digital Travel Services
Rank 38 globally 85
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 25 globally 91
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 43 globally 82
69
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 50 globally 63
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 42 globally 82
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 120 globally 62
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 47 globally 69
66
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 121 globally 63
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 82 globally 70
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 109 globally 64

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

75
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 146 globally 73
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 151 globally 73
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 146 globally 76
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 144 globally 78
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 124 globally 76
86
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 18 globally 94
Off-Season Usability
Rank 37 globally 82
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 33 globally 82
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 107 globally 84
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

81
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 18 globally 81
Democracy Index
Rank 63 globally 77
Personal Freedom
Rank 58 globally 79
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 25 globally 87

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

83
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 4 globally 99
PISA Score
Rank 24 globally 73
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 29 globally 72
Education Expenditure
Rank 61 globally 90
School Life Expectancy
Rank 31 globally 83
60
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 47 globally 58
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 25 globally 50
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 63 globally 47
Gini Index
Rank 62 globally 69
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 63 globally 60
Housing Support Score
Rank 53 globally 56
Social Mobility Score
Rank 45 globally 63
Social Cohesion
Rank 48 globally 73
76
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 27 globally 78
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 35 globally 76
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 51 globally 76
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 56 globally 74
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 47 globally 76

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

73
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 60 globally 73
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 55 globally 72
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 47 globally 77
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 62 globally 67
Pride Culture
Rank 56 globally 69
75
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 52 globally 68
Public Accessibility
Rank 33 globally 74
Digital Accessibility
Rank 29 globally 82
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 31 globally 80

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

78
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 11 globally 91
Secularization Score
Rank 10 globally 76
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 92 globally 40
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 10 globally 83

Demography

10 indicators

55
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 209 globally 28
Fertility Rate
Rank 141 globally 55
Population Growth
Rank 220 globally 0
Net Migration Rate
Rank 129 globally 43
Urbanization Rate
Rank 99 globally 64
Foreign Population Share
Rank 47 globally 76
Population Density
Rank 52 globally 70
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 1 globally 100
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 106 globally 88
Single-Person Households
Rank 12 globally 79