Country profile

South Africa: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

South Africa is especially relevant in the Nomadino comparison when comparing everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability. The current data points to a solid overall picture; its strongest main categories are Costs and Travel & Vacation, while Vacation Costs, Conflicts & Political Security and Personal Services stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle more closely, because the largest deductions come from Social System & Social Cohesion, Safety & Crime and Internet & Connectivity.

Overall rating 59.32 points
Global rank Rank 117 globally
Continental rank Rank 7 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 South Africa

Why is South Africa 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 South Africa?

Vacation Costs, Conflicts & Political Security and Personal Services show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from Social System & Social Cohesion, Safety & Crime and Internet & Connectivity.

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

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 South Africa 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

South Africa 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; infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as climate, leisure, nature and day-to-day lifestyle still deserve closer attention.

Static comparisons

All ratings and indicators for South Africa

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

36
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 223 globally 32
Petty Crime Index
Rank 208 globally 32
Women's Safety
Rank 201 globally 35
Organized Crime
Rank 196 globally 36
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 176 globally 60
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 123 globally 38
81
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 149 globally 83
Political Violence
Rank 163 globally 69
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 119 globally 85
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

59
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 96 globally 51
Storm Risk
Rank 75 globally 85
Earthquake Risk
Rank 81 globally 76
Drought Risk
Rank 199 globally 27
Wildfire Risk
Rank 179 globally 29
Landslide Risk
Rank 92 globally 58
Tsunami Risk
Rank 113 globally 62
Volcano Risk
Rank 152 globally 87

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

70
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 83 globally 70
Internet Censorship
Rank 90 globally 74
Internet Freedom
Rank 90 globally 69
Data Protection Laws
Rank 76 globally 66
VPN Access
Rank 95 globally 77
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 170 globally 50
47
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 128 globally 49
Property Rights Security
Rank 126 globally 50
Corruption Perception
Rank 123 globally 41
Police Effectiveness
Rank 166 globally 47
Expropriation Risk
Rank 140 globally 50
Extradition Risk
Rank 99 globally 45

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

55
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 128 globally 58
Economic Resilience
Rank 179 globally 50
Government Efficiency
Rank 106 globally 58
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 119 globally 56
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

60
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 151 globally 52
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 81 globally 72
Emergency Care
Rank 150 globally 51
Medicine Access
Rank 103 globally 66
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 146 globally 51
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 132 globally 63
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 10 globally 92
Doctor Density
Rank 152 globally 27
Hospital Beds
Rank 112 globally 41
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 60 globally 97
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 148 globally 44
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 73 globally 64

Environmental Health

6 indicators

57
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 146 globally 58
Noise Pollution
Rank 163 globally 43
UV Radiation
Rank 66 globally 40
Tap Water Safety
Rank 142 globally 71
Sanitation
Rank 104 globally 75
Waste Management
Rank 123 globally 36
49
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 191 globally 47
Infectious Diseases
Rank 191 globally 42
Obesity Rate
Rank 171 globally 61
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 169 globally 28
Mental Health
Rank 163 globally 56
Suicide Rate
Rank 219 globally 28
Maternal Mortality
Rank 165 globally 41
Vaccination Rate
Rank 186 globally 76
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 153 globally 56
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 151 globally 73
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

62
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 169 globally 74
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 195 globally 27
Social Security Burden
Rank 20 globally 97
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 99 globally 53
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 165 globally 62
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 58
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 197 globally 70
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 118 globally 64
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 23 globally 84
63
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 71 globally 68
Capital Market Depth
Rank 96 globally 65
Business Credit Access
Rank 103 globally 62
Investor Protection
Rank 125 globally 50
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 96 globally 61
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 60 globally 76
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 107 globally 58
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 96 globally 60

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

65
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 56 globally 57
Banking Stability
Rank 122 globally 75
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 76 globally 84
Fintech Development
Rank 102 globally 67
ATM Availability
Rank 90 globally 79
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 213 globally 31
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 176 globally 5
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

60
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 50 globally 48
Crypto Regulation
Rank 56 globally 65
Legal Status
Rank 58 globally 62
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 7 globally 72
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 146 globally 53
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 6 globally 59

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

65
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 99 globally 60
Transaction Costs
Rank 98 globally 70
Affordability
Rank 124 globally 60
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 50 globally 74
58
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 160 globally 33
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 9 globally 96
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 15 globally 71
Days to Register a Company
Rank 195 globally 33

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

66
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 135 globally 55
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 150 globally 79
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 161 globally 45
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 200 globally 60
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 134 globally 56
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 24 globally 98
Central Bank Independence
Rank 61 globally 74
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 62 globally 70
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 98 globally 76
46
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 97 globally 46
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 78 globally 47
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 228 globally 8
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 167 globally 67
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 117 globally 63
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 111 globally 40
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

60
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 135 globally 39
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 116 globally 55
Electricity Cost
Rank 129 globally 63
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 151 globally 90
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 137 globally 90

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

58
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 99 globally 54
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 103 globally 64
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 123 globally 51
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 99 globally 70
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 62 globally 77
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 148 globally 51
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 169 globally 42

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

80
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 107 globally 70
Burger Menu Price
Rank 110 globally 84
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
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 69 globally 78
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 117 globally 85

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

75
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 119 globally 89
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 88 globally 67
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 86 globally 86
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 134 globally 87
Car Purchase Index
Rank 98 globally 13
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 141 globally 91
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 146 globally 86
77
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 108 globally 60
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 49 globally 84
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 40 globally 93
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 59 globally 93
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 25 globally 78

Personal Services

4 indicators

81
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 76 globally 87
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 156 globally 65
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 95 globally 84
Local Services Cost
Rank 73 globally 87
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
54
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 45 globally 57
Rail Network Density
Rank 49 globally 53
Airport Connectivity
Rank 69 globally 56
Port Connectivity
Rank 30 globally 48
49
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 57 globally 64
Traffic Congestion
Rank 152 globally 42
Road Density
Rank 81 globally 64
Traffic Deaths
Rank 194 globally 37
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 75 globally 19

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

54
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 183 globally 41
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 55 globally 70
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 195 globally 10
CO2 Intensity
Rank 228 globally 2
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 196 globally 95
40
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 96 globally 55
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 157 globally 13
Mobile Speed
Rank 96 globally 58
5G Coverage
Rank 83 globally 20

Public Transport

4 indicators

43
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 89 globally 52
Transit Punctuality
Rank 120 globally 52
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 98 globally 15
Walkability Score
Rank 104 globally 52
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

48
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 168 globally 44
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 129 globally 50
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 147 globally 54
Burnout Risk
Rank 135 globally 45
Public Holidays
Rank 92 globally 48

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

78
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 120 globally 60
Sunshine Hours
Rank 63 globally 88
Humidity Comfort
Rank 5 globally 99
Rainy Days
Rank 58 globally 75
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 168 globally 83
Seasonal Variation
Rank 129 globally 71

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

57
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 64 globally 73
Mountain Access
Rank 62 globally 59
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 167 globally 32
Biodiversity Index
Rank 25 globally 84
Forest Cover
Rank 158 globally 19

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

53
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 66 globally 56
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 153 globally 50
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 77 globally 48
Recovery Time
Rank 171 globally 59

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

47
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 143 globally 25
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 30 globally 48
Music & Nightlife
Rank 53 globally 55
Cinema Density
Rank 71 globally 30
Cultural Freedom
Rank 107 globally 55
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 44 globally 76
51
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 64 globally 48
Restaurant Density
Rank 57 globally 59
Street Food Scene
Rank 68 globally 49
Local Market Quality
Rank 89 globally 53
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 66 globally 51
Local Freshness
Rank 98 globally 55
Local Authenticity
Rank 82 globally 43

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

45
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 128 globally 88
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 80 globally 35
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 120 globally 21
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 172 globally 57
Child Safety Score
Rank 150 globally 52
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 94 globally 20
Playground Density
Rank 117 globally 45

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

57
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 68 globally 60
Veterinary Quality
Rank 72 globally 65
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 142 globally 50
Pet Food Prices
Rank 119 globally 55
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 68 globally 55
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 90 globally 52
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 86 globally 60
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
59
/ 100
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Residence Permit Ease
Rank 135 globally 64
E-Government
Rank 116 globally 70
Visa Processing Time
Rank 139 globally 48
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 124 globally 59
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 141 globally 54
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 77 globally 56
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 115 globally 60
55
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 129 globally 35
Visa Application Ease
Rank 139 globally 58
Border Openness
Rank 137 globally 53
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 111 globally 58
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 163 globally 81
64
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 20 globally 75
Remote Work Legality
Rank 109 globally 56
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 91 globally 69
Remote Job Market
Rank 97 globally 65
Coworking Density
Rank 48 globally 63
Nomad Community
Rank 60 globally 56
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 95 globally 59
60
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 123 globally 58
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 122 globally 61
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 103 globally 63
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 110 globally 59
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 139 globally 53
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 93 globally 70
65
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 10 globally 80
Family Reunification
Rank 117 globally 64
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 80 globally 72
Residence Status Stability
Rank 119 globally 61
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 119 globally 59
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 124 globally 46
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 32 globally 95
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

65
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 48 globally 70
Local Language Barrier
Rank 38 globally 73
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 81 globally 67
International Schools
Rank 66 globally 52
60
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 83 globally 68
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 78 globally 59
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 90 globally 63
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 128 globally 46
56
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 111 globally 57
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 102 globally 50
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 108 globally 58
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 112 globally 56
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 98 globally 64
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
61
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 87 globally 63
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 119 globally 57
Accommodation Availability
Rank 79 globally 62
Booking & Transparency
Rank 115 globally 60

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

66
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 67 globally 60
Digital Travel Services
Rank 107 globally 61
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 96 globally 74
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 94 globally 70
68
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 53 globally 61
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 87 globally 68
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 29 globally 82
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 71 globally 61
79
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 64 globally 79
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 52 globally 77
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 35 globally 82

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

84
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 88 globally 85
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 87 globally 87
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 130 globally 81
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 124 globally 83
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 64 globally 85
80
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 54 globally 89
Off-Season Usability
Rank 50 globally 79
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 109 globally 66
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 38 globally 87
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

69
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 99 globally 64
Democracy Index
Rank 83 globally 70
Personal Freedom
Rank 79 globally 72
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 100 globally 67

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

63
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 129 globally 95
PISA Score
Rank 147 globally 31
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 162 globally 22
Education Expenditure
Rank 1 globally 100
School Life Expectancy
Rank 145 globally 65
34
/ 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 34 globally 60
Gini Index
Rank 228 globally 0
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 144 globally 25
Housing Support Score
Rank 108 globally 41
Social Mobility Score
Rank 165 globally 31
Social Cohesion
Rank 104 globally 56
59
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 104 globally 60
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 124 globally 53
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 76 globally 61
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 73 globally 63
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 89 globally 58

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

74
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 31 globally 94
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 60 globally 66
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 68 globally 64
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 55 globally 74
Pride Culture
Rank 56 globally 69
52
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 85 globally 56
Public Accessibility
Rank 120 globally 47
Digital Accessibility
Rank 104 globally 53
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 139 globally 49

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

68
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 84 globally 81
Secularization Score
Rank 92 globally 46
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 12 globally 58
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 69 globally 71

Demography

10 indicators

64
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 78 globally 70
Fertility Rate
Rank 42 globally 95
Population Growth
Rank 93 globally 46
Net Migration Rate
Rank 62 globally 57
Urbanization Rate
Rank 103 globally 62
Foreign Population Share
Rank 93 globally 51
Population Density
Rank 68 globally 65
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 48 globally 60
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 22 globally 91
Single-Person Households
Rank 115 globally 28