Country profile

Papua New Guinea: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Papua New Guinea is best read in the Nomadino comparison through the lens of everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure. The current data points to a mixed overall picture; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk, while Vacation Costs, Personal Services and Dining & Going Out 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, Internet & Connectivity and Social System & Social Cohesion.

Overall rating 45.71 points
Global rank Rank 196 globally
Continental rank Rank 20 in Oceania

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 Papua New Guinea

Why is Papua New Guinea especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk.

Which topics stand out positively for Papua New Guinea?

Vacation Costs, Personal Services and Dining & Going Out 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, Internet & Connectivity and Social System & Social Cohesion.

How important is lower-cost living and longer stays for Papua New Guinea?

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 Papua New Guinea 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

Papua New Guinea 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 safety, stability and risk exposure 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 Papua New Guinea

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

51
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 180 globally 75
Petty Crime Index
Rank 219 globally 28
Women's Safety
Rank 212 globally 29
Organized Crime
Rank 182 globally 40
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 195 globally 52
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 1 globally 100
76
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 161 globally 78
Political Violence
Rank 174 globally 62
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 145 globally 81
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

43
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 154 globally 41
Storm Risk
Rank 135 globally 69
Earthquake Risk
Rank 223 globally 13
Drought Risk
Rank 20 globally 86
Wildfire Risk
Rank 140 globally 40
Landslide Risk
Rank 217 globally 24
Tsunami Risk
Rank 219 globally 16
Volcano Risk
Rank 227 globally 14

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

56
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 128 globally 60
Internet Censorship
Rank 125 globally 64
Internet Freedom
Rank 136 globally 57
Data Protection Laws
Rank 163 globally 34
VPN Access
Rank 136 globally 65
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 163 globally 51
36
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 181 globally 37
Property Rights Security
Rank 182 globally 37
Corruption Perception
Rank 179 globally 28
Police Effectiveness
Rank 198 globally 32
Expropriation Risk
Rank 154 globally 42
Extradition Risk
Rank 24 globally 53

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

42
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 185 globally 43
Economic Resilience
Rank 197 globally 45
Government Efficiency
Rank 185 globally 41
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 179 globally 38
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

44
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 194 globally 38
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 161 globally 57
Emergency Care
Rank 189 globally 38
Medicine Access
Rank 176 globally 49
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 190 globally 39
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 198 globally 42
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 18 globally 89
Doctor Density
Rank 225 globally 2
Hospital Beds
Rank 205 globally 13
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 194 globally 55
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 74 globally 67
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 210 globally 18

Environmental Health

6 indicators

40
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 109 globally 73
Noise Pollution
Rank 58 globally 65
UV Radiation
Rank 161 globally 15
Tap Water Safety
Rank 203 globally 38
Sanitation
Rank 210 globally 21
Waste Management
Rank 215 globally 6
47
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 197 globally 46
Infectious Diseases
Rank 218 globally 29
Obesity Rate
Rank 148 globally 65
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 185 globally 22
Mental Health
Rank 83 globally 67
Suicide Rate
Rank 20 globally 98
Maternal Mortality
Rank 189 globally 32
Vaccination Rate
Rank 229 globally 40
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 160 globally 54
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 218 globally 58
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

69
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 80 globally 88
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 189 globally 32
Social Security Burden
Rank 85 globally 80
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 55 globally 68
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 143 globally 68
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 129 globally 63
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 132 globally 18
48
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 113 globally 64
Capital Market Depth
Rank 166 globally 54
Business Credit Access
Rank 175 globally 47
Investor Protection
Rank 179 globally 35
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 189 globally 36
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 60 globally 76
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 209 globally 31
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 201 globally 32

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

51
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 199 globally 21
Banking Stability
Rank 91 globally 77
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 192 globally 70
Fintech Development
Rank 209 globally 8
ATM Availability
Rank 196 globally 32
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 27 globally 55
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 15 globally 93
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

20
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 180 globally 18
Crypto Regulation
Rank 181 globally 26
Legal Status
Rank 186 globally 26
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 194 globally 6
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 195 globally 35
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 189 globally 5

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

49
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 186 globally 15
Transaction Costs
Rank 118 globally 65
Affordability
Rank 124 globally 60
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 74 globally 68
41
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 25
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 162 globally 49
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 34 globally 65
Days to Register a Company
Rank 214 globally 24

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

69
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 188 globally 32
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 9 globally 99
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 72 globally 70
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 62 globally 86
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 166 globally 50
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 116 globally 85
Central Bank Independence
Rank 155 globally 60
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 90 globally 65
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 5 globally 97
29
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 178 globally 15
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 210 globally 7
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 29 globally 92
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 87 globally 75
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 218 globally 16
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 149 globally 27
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

66
/ 100
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City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 106 globally 46
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 100 globally 61
Electricity Cost
Rank 122 globally 64
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 75 globally 96

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

57
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 173 globally 27
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 113 globally 58
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 123 globally 51
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 104 globally 67
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 97 globally 64
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 107 globally 67
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 111 globally 65

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

80
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 87 globally 76
Burger Menu Price
Rank 102 globally 87
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 117 globally 75
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 101 globally 82
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 113 globally 86
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 124 globally 80
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 88 globally 83
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 133 globally 65
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 135 globally 80

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

74
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 88 globally 94
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 149 globally 54
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 108 globally 84
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
59
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 108 globally 60
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 150 globally 55
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 170 globally 61
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 168 globally 73
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 140 globally 53

Personal Services

4 indicators

83
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 103 globally 82
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 93 globally 86
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 90 globally 85
Local Services Cost
Rank 105 globally 79
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
9
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 188 globally 10
Rail Network Density
Rank 134 globally 1
Airport Connectivity
Rank 202 globally 12
Port Connectivity
Rank 140 globally 15
32
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 222 globally 15
Traffic Congestion
Rank 63 globally 62
Road Density
Rank 222 globally 31
Traffic Deaths
Rank 179 globally 46
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 161 globally 4

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

44
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 195 globally 31
Electrification Rate
Rank 214 globally 15
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 106 globally 50
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 45 globally 65
CO2 Intensity
Rank 129 globally 37
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
17
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 184 globally 23
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 200 globally 1
Mobile Speed
Rank 181 globally 34
5G Coverage
Rank 181 globally 2

Public Transport

4 indicators

22
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 211 globally 15
Transit Punctuality
Rank 211 globally 38
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 196 globally 5
Walkability Score
Rank 219 globally 32
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

41
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 171 globally 40
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 208 globally 33
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 184 globally 45
Burnout Risk
Rank 173 globally 40
Public Holidays
Rank 92 globally 48

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

67
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 113 globally 61
Sunshine Hours
Rank 165 globally 72
Humidity Comfort
Rank 213 globally 41
Rainy Days
Rank 218 globally 44
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 16 globally 99
Seasonal Variation
Rank 9 globally 98

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

64
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 99 globally 63
Mountain Access
Rank 46 globally 66
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 206 globally 12
Biodiversity Index
Rank 3 globally 97
Forest Cover
Rank 1 globally 100

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

38
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 187 globally 17
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 103 globally 62
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 200 globally 19
Recovery Time
Rank 217 globally 50

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

24
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 189 globally 14
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 136 globally 10
Music & Nightlife
Rank 184 globally 25
Cinema Density
Rank 180 globally 6
Cultural Freedom
Rank 144 globally 42
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 150 globally 59
23
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 207 globally 18
Restaurant Density
Rank 199 globally 20
Street Food Scene
Rank 200 globally 20
Local Market Quality
Rank 167 globally 31
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 203 globally 15
Local Freshness
Rank 159 globally 37
Local Authenticity
Rank 215 globally 18

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

35
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 57 globally 96
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 162 globally 23
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 157 globally 19
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 189 globally 43
Child Safety Score
Rank 196 globally 35
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 162 globally 8
Playground Density
Rank 188 globally 22

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

39
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 175 globally 30
Veterinary Quality
Rank 190 globally 20
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 70 globally 68
Pet Food Prices
Rank 63 globally 65
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 196 globally 18
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 166 globally 40
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 175 globally 30
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
41
/ 100
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Residence Permit Ease
Rank 186 globally 44
E-Government
Rank 194 globally 40
Visa Processing Time
Rank 139 globally 48
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 193 globally 41
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 183 globally 40
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 201 globally 19
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 175 globally 43
38
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 172 globally 18
Visa Application Ease
Rank 181 globally 39
Border Openness
Rank 183 globally 32
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 193 globally 26
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
33
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 181 globally 27
Remote Work Legality
Rank 195 globally 38
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 171 globally 50
Remote Job Market
Rank 187 globally 41
Coworking Density
Rank 194 globally 21
Nomad Community
Rank 191 globally 18
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 189 globally 28
40
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 185 globally 39
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 184 globally 44
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 199 globally 41
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 192 globally 38
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 187 globally 36
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 206 globally 36
34
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 173 globally 18
Family Reunification
Rank 185 globally 38
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 179 globally 40
Residence Status Stability
Rank 183 globally 43
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 186 globally 38
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 137 globally 36
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 183 globally 50
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

53
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 57 globally 69
Local Language Barrier
Rank 85 globally 64
Integration Ease
Rank 162 globally 56
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 154 globally 53
Expat Community Size
Rank 197 globally 23
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 139 globally 58
International Schools
Rank 165 globally 36
37
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 165 globally 43
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 156 globally 32
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 166 globally 36
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 150 globally 35
36
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 187 globally 35
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 171 globally 37
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 189 globally 35
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 190 globally 33
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 187 globally 41
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
30
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 215 globally 24
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 191 globally 34
Accommodation Availability
Rank 210 globally 25
Booking & Transparency
Rank 189 globally 37

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

36
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 214 globally 19
Digital Travel Services
Rank 200 globally 35
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 200 globally 41
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 175 globally 48
41
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 197 globally 28
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 188 globally 40
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 95 globally 66
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 201 globally 30
59
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 138 globally 59
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 155 globally 52
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 96 globally 67

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

84
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 101 globally 82
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 105 globally 82
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 89 globally 88
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 82 globally 89
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 106 globally 78
63
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 215 globally 75
Off-Season Usability
Rank 202 globally 54
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 201 globally 48
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 175 globally 77
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

59
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 107 globally 61
Democracy Index
Rank 126 globally 58
Personal Freedom
Rank 146 globally 58
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 116 globally 60

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

40
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 206 globally 65
PISA Score
Rank 213 globally 0
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 206 globally 8
Education Expenditure
Rank 89 globally 75
School Life Expectancy
Rank 201 globally 50
18
/ 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 165 globally 43
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 191 globally 0
Housing Support Score
Rank 195 globally 15
Social Mobility Score
Rank 195 globally 20
Social Cohesion
Rank 182 globally 40
34
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 205 globally 33
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 191 globally 36
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 160 globally 35
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 162 globally 33
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 169 globally 33

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

19
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 211 globally 7
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 168 globally 24
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 169 globally 25
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 179 globally 20
Pride Culture
Rank 168 globally 18
30
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 192 globally 23
Public Accessibility
Rank 180 globally 32
Digital Accessibility
Rank 169 globally 33
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 174 globally 37

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

55
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 148 globally 68
Secularization Score
Rank 163 globally 34
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 103 globally 38
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 140 globally 62

Demography

10 indicators

47
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 44 globally 83
Fertility Rate
Rank 165 globally 45
Population Growth
Rank 46 globally 64
Net Migration Rate
Rank 89 globally 50
Urbanization Rate
Rank 225 globally 0
Foreign Population Share
Rank 186 globally 25
Population Density
Rank 37 globally 75
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 220 globally 17
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 216 globally 78
Single-Person Households
Rank 201 globally 9