Country profile

Malaysia: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Malaysia 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, Dining & Going Out and Season & Travel Comfort stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check social freedom, participation and openness as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle more closely, because the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Religion & Worldviews and Arts & Entertainment.

Overall rating 66.87 points
Global rank Rank 51 globally
Continental rank Rank 7 in Asia

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 Malaysia

Why is Malaysia 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 Malaysia?

Conflicts & Political Security, Dining & Going Out and Season & Travel Comfort show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

social freedom, participation and openness as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Religion & Worldviews and Arts & Entertainment.

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

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 Malaysia 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

Malaysia is especially useful to compare with Singapore, 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; social freedom, participation and openness as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle still deserve closer attention.

Frequently asked questions: Malaysia

Malaysia: what is the cost profile?

The Costs category currently stands at 75 out of 100 points. High values mean lower or more manageable everyday cost conditions. The details are linked in the cost ranking.

Malaysia: what is the safety profile?

The Safety & Risk category currently stands at 71 out of 100 points. High values mean a more favorable safety and risk profile. The individual topics are linked in the safety ranking.

All ratings and indicators for Malaysia

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

72
/ 100
ShowHide
Homicide Rate
Rank 37 globally 95
Petty Crime Index
Rank 86 globally 62
Women's Safety
Rank 84 globally 63
Organized Crime
Rank 163 globally 44
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 138 globally 73
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 1 globally 100
90
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 7 globally 96
Political Violence
Rank 83 globally 83
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 82 globally 89
Terrorism Risk
Rank 173 globally 89

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

59
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 205 globally 29
Storm Risk
Rank 118 globally 73
Earthquake Risk
Rank 85 globally 74
Drought Risk
Rank 47 globally 79
Wildfire Risk
Rank 97 globally 51
Landslide Risk
Rank 182 globally 36
Tsunami Risk
Rank 191 globally 36
Volcano Risk
Rank 120 globally 97

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

60
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 128 globally 60
Internet Censorship
Rank 141 globally 59
Internet Freedom
Rank 119 globally 63
Data Protection Laws
Rank 96 globally 57
VPN Access
Rank 140 globally 63
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 112 globally 59
60
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 80 globally 61
Property Rights Security
Rank 87 globally 62
Corruption Perception
Rank 93 globally 53
Police Effectiveness
Rank 88 globally 66
Expropriation Risk
Rank 85 globally 66
Extradition Risk
Rank 140 globally 41

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

69
/ 100
ShowHide
Political Stability
Rank 91 globally 69
Economic Resilience
Rank 40 globally 72
Government Efficiency
Rank 76 globally 67
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 44 globally 69
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

67
/ 100
ShowHide
Healthcare Quality
Rank 58 globally 70
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 108 globally 68
Emergency Care
Rank 77 globally 67
Medicine Access
Rank 93 globally 68
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 82 globally 68
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 2 globally 87
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 162 globally 54
Doctor Density
Rank 85 globally 60
Hospital Beds
Rank 132 globally 35
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 146 globally 84
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 115 globally 58
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 25 globally 78

Environmental Health

6 indicators

64
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 105 globally 75
Noise Pollution
Rank 197 globally 37
UV Radiation
Rank 95 globally 29
Tap Water Safety
Rank 67 globally 95
Sanitation
Rank 66 globally 88
Waste Management
Rank 188 globally 14
73
/ 100
ShowHide
Life Expectancy
Rank 89 globally 77
Infectious Diseases
Rank 116 globally 74
Obesity Rate
Rank 120 globally 71
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 77 globally 56
Mental Health
Rank 91 globally 66
Suicide Rate
Rank 70 globally 68
Maternal Mortality
Rank 101 globally 69
Vaccination Rate
Rank 70 globally 94
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 68 globally 74
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 93 globally 79
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

70
/ 100
ShowHide
Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 152 globally 79
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 98 globally 56
Social Security Burden
Rank 148 globally 66
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 55 globally 68
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 208 globally 37
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 63 globally 71
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 92 globally 71
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 31 globally 81
71
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 34 globally 72
Capital Market Depth
Rank 44 globally 73
Business Credit Access
Rank 53 globally 73
Investor Protection
Rank 86 globally 62
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 52 globally 69
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 27 globally 80
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 90 globally 64
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 63 globally 71

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

71
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 52 globally 59
Banking Stability
Rank 27 globally 83
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 44 globally 87
Fintech Development
Rank 80 globally 77
ATM Availability
Rank 90 globally 79
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

60
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 38 globally 58
Crypto Regulation
Rank 50 globally 69
Legal Status
Rank 49 globally 72
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 53 globally 28
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 36 globally 31

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

70
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 92 globally 65
Transaction Costs
Rank 30 globally 85
Affordability
Rank 87 globally 70
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 111 globally 62
49
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 103 globally 40
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 131 globally 59
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 132 globally 55
Days to Register a Company
Rank 155 globally 44

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

75
/ 100
ShowHide
GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 69 globally 73
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 28 globally 98
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 151 globally 50
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 39 globally 88
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 60 globally 66
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 156 globally 73
Central Bank Independence
Rank 56 globally 76
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 103 globally 63
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 78 globally 81
70
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 77 globally 57
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 25 globally 81
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 71 globally 85
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 213 globally 41
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 50 globally 81
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 96 globally 49
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

69
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 132 globally 41
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 116 globally 55
Electricity Cost
Rank 24 globally 94
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 1 globally 100
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 8 globally 99

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

59
/ 100
ShowHide
Milk Price per Liter
Rank 197 globally 23
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 105 globally 63
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 103 globally 61
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 68 globally 79
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 74 globally 71
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 130 globally 59
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 86 globally 72

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

89
/ 100
ShowHide
Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 13 globally 92
Burger Menu Price
Rank 37 globally 99
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 48 globally 90
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 111 globally 78
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 60 globally 95

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

82
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 133 globally 87
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 11 globally 90
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 37 globally 92
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 121 globally 89
Car Purchase Index
Rank 78 globally 24
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 109 globally 94
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 121 globally 91
85
/ 100
ShowHide
Internet Cost
Rank 74 globally 70
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 17 globally 92
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 13 globally 98
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 19 globally 99
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 10 globally 83

Personal Services

4 indicators

69
/ 100
ShowHide
Haircut Cost
Rank 98 globally 83
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 98 globally 84
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 221 globally 31
Local Services Cost
Rank 111 globally 77
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
59
/ 100
ShowHide
Logistics Performance
Rank 41 globally 61
Rail Network Density
Rank 63 globally 38
Airport Connectivity
Rank 41 globally 71
Port Connectivity
Rank 8 globally 70
62
/ 100
ShowHide
Road Quality
Rank 26 globally 82
Traffic Congestion
Rank 197 globally 34
Road Density
Rank 98 globally 60
Traffic Deaths
Rank 35 globally 89
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 62 globally 23

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

72
/ 100
ShowHide
Power Outages
Rank 83 globally 90
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 42 globally 75
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 154 globally 20
CO2 Intensity
Rank 185 globally 24
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
57
/ 100
ShowHide
Broadband Speed
Rank 65 globally 71
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 121 globally 34
Mobile Speed
Rank 74 globally 65
5G Coverage
Rank 51 globally 50

Public Transport

4 indicators

54
/ 100
ShowHide
Transit Coverage
Rank 53 globally 62
Transit Punctuality
Rank 50 globally 68
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 61 globally 22
Walkability Score
Rank 51 globally 62
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

49
/ 100
ShowHide
Annual Working Hours
Rank 133 globally 48
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 222 globally 27
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 111 globally 59
Burnout Risk
Rank 135 globally 45
Public Holidays
Rank 14 globally 68

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

69
/ 100
ShowHide
Temperature Comfort
Rank 77 globally 68
Sunshine Hours
Rank 165 globally 72
Humidity Comfort
Rank 213 globally 41
Rainy Days
Rank 218 globally 44
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 50 globally 97
Seasonal Variation
Rank 1 globally 100

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

67
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 58 globally 77
Mountain Access
Rank 88 globally 45
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 144 globally 44
Biodiversity Index
Rank 7 globally 95
Forest Cover
Rank 35 globally 77

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

63
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 54 globally 61
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 39 globally 77
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 64 globally 53
Recovery Time
Rank 171 globally 59

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

42
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 114 globally 29
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 74 globally 27
Music & Nightlife
Rank 46 globally 58
Cinema Density
Rank 71 globally 30
Cultural Freedom
Rank 139 globally 45
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 58 globally 73
77
/ 100
ShowHide
Cuisine Diversity
Rank 16 globally 80
Restaurant Density
Rank 15 globally 83
Street Food Scene
Rank 11 globally 86
Local Market Quality
Rank 26 globally 71
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 26 globally 68
Local Freshness
Rank 32 globally 73
Local Authenticity
Rank 15 globally 77

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 154 globally 81
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 97 globally 31
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 81 globally 24
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 30 globally 89
Child Safety Score
Rank 65 globally 70
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 64 globally 30
Playground Density
Rank 73 globally 58

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

48
/ 100
ShowHide
Pet Entry Rules
Rank 152 globally 35
Veterinary Quality
Rank 72 globally 65
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 124 globally 55
Pet Food Prices
Rank 88 globally 62
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 130 globally 35
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 132 globally 45
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 147 globally 40
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
72
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 70 globally 77
E-Government
Rank 91 globally 78
Visa Processing Time
Rank 27 globally 70
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 81 globally 69
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 94 globally 66
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 46 globally 69
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 84 globally 70
78
/ 100
ShowHide
Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 38 globally 75
Visa Application Ease
Rank 71 globally 74
Border Openness
Rank 82 globally 78
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 50 globally 76
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 96 globally 90
69
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 82 globally 45
Remote Work Legality
Rank 31 globally 77
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 106 globally 67
Remote Job Market
Rank 50 globally 76
Coworking Density
Rank 21 globally 82
Nomad Community
Rank 19 globally 79
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 55 globally 74
70
/ 100
ShowHide
Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 77 globally 73
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 77 globally 73
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 89 globally 65
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 82 globally 68
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 88 globally 65
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 86 globally 73
64
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 78 globally 64
Family Reunification
Rank 85 globally 73
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 118 globally 62
Residence Status Stability
Rank 86 globally 72
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 76 globally 71
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 33 globally 95
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 207 globally 25
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

69
/ 100
ShowHide
English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 48 globally 70
Local Language Barrier
Rank 33 globally 76
Integration Ease
Rank 52 globally 76
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 98 globally 64
Expat Community Size
Rank 58 globally 52
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 91 globally 66
International Schools
Rank 13 globally 73
48
/ 100
ShowHide
Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 105 globally 61
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 139 globally 39
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 129 globally 48
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 139 globally 42
72
/ 100
ShowHide
Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 47 globally 76
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 36 globally 66
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 46 globally 73
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 70 globally 69
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 39 globally 77
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
74
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Quality
Rank 55 globally 76
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 69 globally 72
Accommodation Availability
Rank 39 globally 75
Booking & Transparency
Rank 72 globally 73

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

77
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 43 globally 71
Digital Travel Services
Rank 64 globally 74
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 66 globally 82
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 54 globally 79
73
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 53 globally 61
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 47 globally 78
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 33 globally 81
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 45 globally 72
81
/ 100
ShowHide
Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 48 globally 83
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 33 globally 81
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 54 globally 78

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

85
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Cost
Rank 92 globally 84
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 91 globally 85
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 103 globally 86
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 107 globally 86
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 102 globally 81
89
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 33 globally 92
Off-Season Usability
Rank 20 globally 87
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 42 globally 78
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 2 globally 99
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

58
/ 100
ShowHide
Press Freedom
Rank 142 globally 51
Democracy Index
Rank 74 globally 73
Personal Freedom
Rank 137 globally 61
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 154 globally 40

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

67
/ 100
ShowHide
Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 129 globally 95
PISA Score
Rank 61 globally 56
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 111 globally 44
Education Expenditure
Rank 107 globally 73
School Life Expectancy
Rank 137 globally 68
45
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 113 globally 17
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 95 globally 25
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 96 globally 33
Gini Index
Rank 121 globally 57
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 43 globally 70
Housing Support Score
Rank 85 globally 46
Social Mobility Score
Rank 69 globally 55
Social Cohesion
Rank 101 globally 57
47
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 139 globally 52
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 119 globally 54
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 139 globally 42
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 154 globally 35
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 145 globally 40

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

22
/ 100
ShowHide
Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 173 globally 11
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 153 globally 27
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 159 globally 28
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 164 globally 24
Pride Culture
Rank 150 globally 22
54
/ 100
ShowHide
Disability Support Score
Rank 101 globally 51
Public Accessibility
Rank 89 globally 54
Digital Accessibility
Rank 89 globally 58
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 109 globally 56

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

29
/ 100
ShowHide
Religious Freedom Index
Rank 194 globally 30
Secularization Score
Rank 196 globally 18
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 63 globally 45
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 188 globally 28

Demography

10 indicators

64
/ 100
ShowHide
Median Age
Rank 109 globally 63
Fertility Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Population Growth
Rank 97 globally 44
Net Migration Rate
Rank 43 globally 63
Urbanization Rate
Rank 73 globally 74
Foreign Population Share
Rank 72 globally 60
Population Density
Rank 116 globally 58
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 191 globally 40
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 173 globally 86
Single-Person Households
Rank 125 globally 23