Country profile

Panama: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Panama is especially relevant in the Nomadino comparison when comparing travel, accommodation and visitor usability as well as residence, visas and settling abroad. The current data points to a solid overall picture; its strongest main categories are Travel & Vacation and Relocation & Residency, while Conflicts & Political Security, Real Estate & Property and Visa, Entry & Travel Freedom 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 Food & Basic Goods, Social System & Social Cohesion and Arts & Entertainment.

Overall rating 64.55 points
Global rank Rank 68 globally
Continental rank Rank 12 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 Panama

Why is Panama especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by travel, accommodation and visitor usability as well as residence, visas and settling abroad; its strongest main categories are Travel & Vacation and Relocation & Residency.

Which topics stand out positively for Panama?

Conflicts & Political Security, Real Estate & Property and Visa, Entry & Travel Freedom 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 Food & Basic Goods, Social System & Social Cohesion and Arts & Entertainment.

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

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 Panama 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

Panama 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 residence, visas and settling abroad need to be weighed against different priorities; infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness still deserve closer attention.

Static comparisons

All ratings and indicators for Panama

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.

🛡️ Safety & Risk ShowHide

Safety & Crime

6 indicators

55
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 191 globally 71
Petty Crime Index
Rank 149 globally 47
Women's Safety
Rank 137 globally 53
Organized Crime
Rank 187 globally 38
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 152 globally 69
BAC Limit (‰)
Rank 123 globally 38
90
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 7 globally 96
Political Violence
Rank 105 globally 80
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 78 globally 90
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

53
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 67 globally 57
Storm Risk
Rank 139 globally 68
Earthquake Risk
Rank 196 globally 29
Drought Risk
Rank 23 globally 85
Wildfire Risk
Rank 140 globally 40
Landslide Risk
Rank 187 globally 35
Tsunami Risk
Rank 212 globally 20
Volcano Risk
Rank 169 globally 71

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

68
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 90 globally 69
Internet Censorship
Rank 97 globally 73
Internet Freedom
Rank 93 globally 68
Data Protection Laws
Rank 94 globally 58
VPN Access
Rank 87 globally 78
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 122 globally 57
54
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 96 globally 56
Property Rights Security
Rank 92 globally 60
Corruption Perception
Rank 151 globally 36
Police Effectiveness
Rank 116 globally 58
Expropriation Risk
Rank 93 globally 62
Extradition Risk
Rank 116 globally 44

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

64
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 104 globally 64
Economic Resilience
Rank 58 globally 67
Government Efficiency
Rank 102 globally 59
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 74 globally 64
❤️ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

62
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 87 globally 65
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 128 globally 65
Emergency Care
Rank 109 globally 61
Medicine Access
Rank 115 globally 64
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 107 globally 62
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 11 globally 80
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 171 globally 49
Doctor Density
Rank 121 globally 47
Hospital Beds
Rank 132 globally 35
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 137 globally 86
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 148 globally 44
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 64 globally 65

Environmental Health

6 indicators

65
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 63 globally 86
Noise Pollution
Rank 138 globally 50
UV Radiation
Rank 169 globally 14
Tap Water Safety
Rank 102 globally 88
Sanitation
Rank 87 globally 82
Waste Management
Rank 176 globally 18
70
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 57 globally 85
Infectious Diseases
Rank 145 globally 67
Obesity Rate
Rank 203 globally 53
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 123 globally 44
Mental Health
Rank 65 globally 69
Suicide Rate
Rank 33 globally 85
Maternal Mortality
Rank 115 globally 63
Vaccination Rate
Rank 179 globally 80
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 44 globally 80
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 13 globally 90
💸 Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

74
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 119 globally 84
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 75 globally 66
Social Security Burden
Rank 143 globally 67
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 41 globally 78
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 112 globally 79
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 58
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 20 globally 98
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 211 globally 29
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 98 globally 35
66
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 113 globally 64
Capital Market Depth
Rank 81 globally 68
Business Credit Access
Rank 58 globally 72
Investor Protection
Rank 92 globally 59
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 52 globally 69
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 91 globally 72
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 100 globally 60
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 92 globally 62

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

72
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 33 globally 67
Banking Stability
Rank 5 globally 87
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 44 globally 87
Fintech Development
Rank 111 globally 61
ATM Availability
Rank 46 globally 87
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 7 globally 64
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 135 globally 7
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

50
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 81 globally 36
Crypto Regulation
Rank 63 globally 60
Legal Status
Rank 61 globally 61
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 53 globally 28
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 93 globally 74
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 14 globally 44

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

85
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 2 globally 90
Transaction Costs
Rank 4 globally 93
Affordability
Rank 75 globally 75
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 16 globally 84
55
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 107 globally 38
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 123 globally 61
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 69 globally 61
Days to Register a Company
Rank 48 globally 65

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

72
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 63 globally 75
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 9 globally 99
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 100 globally 62
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 130 globally 81
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 99 globally 60
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 202 globally 52
Central Bank Independence
Rank 114 globally 66
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 176 globally 37
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 73 globally 82
59
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 77 globally 57
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 64 globally 55
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 60
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 196 globally 52
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 76 globally 73
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 85 globally 52
🏠 Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

61
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 148 globally 36
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 141 globally 51
Electricity Cost
Rank 107 globally 69
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 120 globally 92

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

31
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 191 globally 26
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 191 globally 20
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 140 globally 49
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 138 globally 56
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 97 globally 64
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 215 globally 12
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 209 globally 22

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

79
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 107 globally 70
Burger Menu Price
Rank 123 globally 79
Cappuccino (Café)
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 117 globally 85

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

80
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 100 globally 92
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 39 globally 77
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 86 globally 86
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 121 globally 89
Car Purchase Index
Rank 79 globally 23
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 126 globally 93
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 128 globally 89
70
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 98 globally 65
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 112 globally 67
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 133 globally 75
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 118 globally 86
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 72 globally 70

Personal Services

4 indicators

77
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 122 globally 75
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 111 globally 78
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 95 globally 84
Local Services Cost
Rank 123 globally 71
🏗️ Infrastructure ShowHide
52
/ 100
ShowHide
Logistics Performance
Rank 45 globally 57
Rail Network Density
Rank 88 globally 23
Airport Connectivity
Rank 55 globally 63
Port Connectivity
Rank 9 globally 68
49
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 71 globally 58
Traffic Congestion
Rank 197 globally 34
Road Density
Rank 155 globally 51
Traffic Deaths
Rank 104 globally 77
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 115 globally 8

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

79
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 83 globally 90
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 106 globally 50
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 43 globally 66
CO2 Intensity
Rank 40 globally 67
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
49
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 96 globally 55
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 102 globally 45
Mobile Speed
Rank 89 globally 60
5G Coverage
Rank 83 globally 20

Public Transport

4 indicators

52
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 53 globally 62
Transit Punctuality
Rank 67 globally 62
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 77 globally 20
Walkability Score
Rank 65 globally 60
🌿 Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

72
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 112 globally 52
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 1 globally 100
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 41 globally 66
Burnout Risk
Rank 82 globally 60
Public Holidays
Rank 9 globally 80

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

73
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 61 globally 69
Sunshine Hours
Rank 113 globally 81
Humidity Comfort
Rank 165 globally 51
Rainy Days
Rank 200 globally 50
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 53 globally 94
Seasonal Variation
Rank 9 globally 98

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

80
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 58 globally 77
Mountain Access
Rank 79 globally 51
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 1 globally 100
Biodiversity Index
Rank 7 globally 95
Forest Cover
Rank 38 globally 75

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

66
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 88 globally 47
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 15 globally 86
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 90 globally 45
Recovery Time
Rank 30 globally 86

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

44
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 114 globally 29
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 65 globally 32
Music & Nightlife
Rank 68 globally 50
Cinema Density
Rank 93 globally 24
Cultural Freedom
Rank 88 globally 62
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 58 globally 73
51
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 70 globally 47
Restaurant Density
Rank 70 globally 56
Street Food Scene
Rank 68 globally 49
Local Market Quality
Rank 82 globally 54
Café Culture
Rank 73 globally 49
Local Freshness
Rank 88 globally 57
Local Authenticity
Rank 77 globally 44

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

50
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 128 globally 88
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 118 globally 27
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 81 globally 24
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 108 globally 74
Child Safety Score
Rank 103 globally 62
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 78 globally 25
Playground Density
Rank 100 globally 50

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

59
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 54 globally 65
Veterinary Quality
Rank 72 globally 65
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 124 globally 55
Pet Food Prices
Rank 133 globally 52
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 78 globally 50
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 48 globally 58
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 70 globally 65
✈️ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
71
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 21 globally 86
E-Government
Rank 106 globally 72
Visa Processing Time
Rank 27 globally 70
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 111 globally 62
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 96 globally 65
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 54 globally 62
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 94 globally 67
84
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 2 globally 95
Visa Application Ease
Rank 93 globally 70
Border Openness
Rank 43 globally 89
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 52 globally 75
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
65
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 18 globally 76
Remote Work Legality
Rank 73 globally 64
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 137 globally 60
Remote Job Market
Rank 97 globally 65
Coworking Density
Rank 62 globally 59
Nomad Community
Rank 50 globally 60
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 81 globally 66
72
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 75 globally 74
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 75 globally 74
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 79 globally 69
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 75 globally 70
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 102 globally 62
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 36 globally 83
69
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 10 globally 80
Family Reunification
Rank 76 globally 75
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 93 globally 70
Residence Status Stability
Rank 92 globally 70
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 82 globally 69
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 89 globally 73
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 173 globally 70
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

56
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 134 globally 43
Local Language Barrier
Rank 124 globally 54
Integration Ease
Rank 79 globally 70
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 92 globally 65
Expat Community Size
Rank 78 globally 45
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 97 globally 65
International Schools
Rank 73 globally 50
65
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 50 globally 75
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 95 globally 55
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 73 globally 68
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 91 globally 58
65
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 52 globally 74
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 120 globally 47
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 74 globally 68
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 90 globally 62
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 70 globally 72
🏖️ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
67
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 79 globally 66
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 80 globally 68
Accommodation Availability
Rank 71 globally 64
Booking & Transparency
Rank 86 globally 69

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

69
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 60 globally 64
Digital Travel Services
Rank 97 globally 64
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 74 globally 79
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 102 globally 68
68
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 68 globally 55
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 87 globally 68
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 9 globally 88
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 75 globally 59
83
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 52 globally 81
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 52 globally 77
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 5 globally 92

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

75
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 158 globally 71
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 161 globally 71
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 113 globally 84
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 124 globally 83
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 192 globally 66
79
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 68 globally 88
Off-Season Usability
Rank 66 globally 75
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 74 globally 72
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 142 globally 80
🌐 Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

68
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 112 globally 58
Democracy Index
Rank 78 globally 71
Personal Freedom
Rank 97 globally 68
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 96 globally 71

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

61
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 114 globally 96
PISA Score
Rank 119 globally 38
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 100 globally 47
Education Expenditure
Rank 176 globally 55
School Life Expectancy
Rank 137 globally 68
42
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 74 globally 33
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 25 globally 50
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 96 globally 33
Gini Index
Rank 197 globally 29
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 99 globally 45
Housing Support Score
Rank 114 globally 40
Social Mobility Score
Rank 122 globally 44
Social Cohesion
Rank 90 globally 60
59
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 104 globally 60
Women’s Rights & Equality
Rank 102 globally 59
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 86 globally 58
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 83 globally 58
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 78 globally 60

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

48
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 87 globally 43
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 92 globally 47
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 78 globally 58
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 104 globally 41
Pride Culture
Rank 80 globally 47
56
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 99 globally 52
Public Accessibility
Rank 75 globally 58
Digital Accessibility
Rank 89 globally 58
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 93 globally 60

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

68
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 69 globally 83
Secularization Score
Rank 70 globally 51
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 51 globally 48
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 51 globally 73

Demography

10 indicators

64
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 95 globally 65
Fertility Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Population Growth
Rank 88 globally 48
Net Migration Rate
Rank 50 globally 60
Urbanization Rate
Rank 99 globally 64
Foreign Population Share
Rank 98 globally 48
Population Density
Rank 76 globally 64
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 131 globally 50
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 53 globally 90
Single-Person Households
Rank 105 globally 30