Country profile

United Arab Emirates: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

United Arab Emirates is especially relevant in the Nomadino comparison when comparing taxes, capital access and financial conditions as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability. The current data points to a solid overall picture; its strongest main categories are Finance & Taxes and Travel & Vacation, while Internet & Connectivity, Taxes & Finance and Season & Travel Comfort stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check social freedom, participation and openness as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses more closely, because the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Religion & Worldviews and Privacy & Surveillance.

Overall rating 66.55 points
Global rank Rank 53 globally
Continental rank Rank 8 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 United Arab Emirates

Why is United Arab Emirates especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by taxes, capital access and financial conditions as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability; its strongest main categories are Finance & Taxes and Travel & Vacation.

Which topics stand out positively for United Arab Emirates?

Internet & Connectivity, Taxes & Finance 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 everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from LGBTQ+ Friendliness, Religion & Worldviews and Privacy & Surveillance.

How important is taxes, capital, banking and business formation for United Arab Emirates?

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 United Arab Emirates 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

United Arab Emirates 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 taxes, capital access and financial conditions as well as travel, accommodation and visitor usability need to be weighed against different priorities; social freedom, participation and openness as well as everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses still deserve closer attention.

Static comparisons

Frequently asked questions: United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates: what is the cost profile?

The Costs category currently stands at 50 out of 100 points. High values mean lower or more manageable everyday cost conditions. The details are linked in the cost ranking.

United Arab Emirates: 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 United Arab Emirates

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

82
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 30 globally 95
Petty Crime Index
Rank 9 globally 88
Women's Safety
Rank 29 globally 77
Organized Crime
Rank 157 globally 45
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 30 globally 90
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 1 globally 100
83
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 146 globally 84
Political Violence
Rank 83 globally 83
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 167 globally 76
Terrorism Risk
Rank 162 globally 93

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

65
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 54 globally 60
Storm Risk
Rank 86 globally 81
Earthquake Risk
Rank 64 globally 83
Drought Risk
Rank 225 globally 13
Wildfire Risk
Rank 47 globally 78
Landslide Risk
Rank 80 globally 61
Tsunami Risk
Rank 161 globally 47
Volcano Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

25
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 220 globally 12
Internet Censorship
Rank 204 globally 24
Internet Freedom
Rank 209 globally 26
Data Protection Laws
Rank 143 globally 42
VPN Access
Rank 214 globally 20
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 141 globally 54
65
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 80 globally 61
Property Rights Security
Rank 66 globally 68
Corruption Perception
Rank 41 globally 70
Police Effectiveness
Rank 63 globally 71
Expropriation Risk
Rank 73 globally 68
Extradition Risk
Rank 225 globally 29

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

72
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 45 globally 75
Economic Resilience
Rank 11 globally 81
Government Efficiency
Rank 41 globally 76
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 155 globally 49
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

75
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 46 globally 72
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 36 globally 82
Emergency Care
Rank 45 globally 73
Medicine Access
Rank 41 globally 77
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 50 globally 74
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 8 globally 81
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 21 globally 88
Doctor Density
Rank 61 globally 69
Hospital Beds
Rank 139 globally 33
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 68 globally 96
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 189 globally 32
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 20 globally 82

Environmental Health

6 indicators

60
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 197 globally 30
Noise Pollution
Rank 197 globally 37
UV Radiation
Rank 222 globally 13
Tap Water Safety
Rank 29 globally 99
Sanitation
Rank 9 globally 99
Waste Management
Rank 89 globally 50
85
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 21 globally 94
Infectious Diseases
Rank 9 globally 92
Obesity Rate
Rank 171 globally 61
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 44 globally 70
Mental Health
Rank 65 globally 69
Suicide Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Maternal Mortality
Rank 1 globally 100
Vaccination Rate
Rank 46 globally 96
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 27 globally 84
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 40 globally 86
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

97
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 1 globally 100
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Social Security Burden
Rank 25 globally 93
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 32 globally 84
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 1 globally 100
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 1 globally 99
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 1 globally 100
77
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 17 globally 76
Capital Market Depth
Rank 15 globally 80
Business Credit Access
Rank 27 globally 78
Investor Protection
Rank 61 globally 69
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 16 globally 80
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 19 globally 82
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 40 globally 73
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 32 globally 78

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

75
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 6 globally 81
Banking Stability
Rank 43 globally 82
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 6 globally 92
Fintech Development
Rank 86 globally 75
ATM Availability
Rank 70 globally 82
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 4 globally 65
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 135 globally 7
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 187 globally 69

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

77
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 31 globally 65
Crypto Regulation
Rank 1 globally 90
Legal Status
Rank 2 globally 93
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 12 globally 65
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 21 globally 39

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

86
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 2 globally 90
Transaction Costs
Rank 30 globally 85
Affordability
Rank 34 globally 80
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 10 globally 89
67
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 16 globally 78
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 90 globally 72
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 50 globally 63
Days to Register a Company
Rank 138 globally 48

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

78
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 19 globally 87
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 28 globally 98
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 53 globally 75
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 62 globally 86
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 37 globally 71
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 229 globally 26
Central Bank Independence
Rank 92 globally 69
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 85 globally 67
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 14 globally 96
87
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 12 globally 90
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 6 globally 93
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 22 globally 94
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 38 globally 81
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 25 globally 90
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 100 globally 43
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 216 globally 16
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 204 globally 36
Electricity Cost
Rank 47 globally 89
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 120 globally 92

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

51
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 173 globally 27
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 131 globally 50
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 159 globally 37
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 170 globally 43
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 115 globally 58
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 101 globally 70
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 82 globally 73

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

40
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 165 globally 43
Burger Menu Price
Rank 162 globally 60
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 195 globally 38
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 216 globally 10
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 220 globally 15
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 185 globally 55
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 181 globally 40
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 215 globally 10
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 119 globally 82

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

75
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 146 globally 83
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 27 globally 83
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 162 globally 75
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 193 globally 68
Car Purchase Index
Rank 19 globally 69
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 206 globally 54
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 195 globally 70
39
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 223 globally 3
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 171 globally 52
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 172 globally 59
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 140 globally 82
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 145 globally 52

Personal Services

4 indicators

41
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 164 globally 57
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 223 globally 15
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 187 globally 52
Local Services Cost
Rank 200 globally 38
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
61
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 33 globally 66
Rail Network Density
Rank 88 globally 23
Airport Connectivity
Rank 15 globally 84
Port Connectivity
Rank 4 globally 75
68
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 4 globally 98
Traffic Congestion
Rank 167 globally 40
Road Density
Rank 213 globally 39
Traffic Deaths
Rank 26 globally 90
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 34 globally 58

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

76
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 1 globally 100
Electrification Rate
Rank 1 globally 100
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 1 globally 100
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 169 globally 15
CO2 Intensity
Rank 151 globally 32
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 217 globally 67
98
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 2 globally 98
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 1 globally 100
Mobile Speed
Rank 2 globally 97
5G Coverage
Rank 2 globally 97

Public Transport

4 indicators

57
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 53 globally 62
Transit Punctuality
Rank 25 globally 78
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 61 globally 22
Walkability Score
Rank 51 globally 62
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

57
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 171 globally 40
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 1 globally 100
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 31 globally 69
Burnout Risk
Rank 156 globally 42
Public Holidays
Rank 224 globally 32

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

63
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 220 globally 19
Sunshine Hours
Rank 1 globally 100
Humidity Comfort
Rank 5 globally 99
Rainy Days
Rank 5 globally 96
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 223 globally 17
Seasonal Variation
Rank 169 globally 60

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

40
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 86 globally 69
Mountain Access
Rank 201 globally 8
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 98 globally 64
Biodiversity Index
Rank 217 globally 35
Forest Cover
Rank 193 globally 6

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

61
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 33 globally 72
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 156 globally 49
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 54 globally 59
Recovery Time
Rank 105 globally 69

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

43
/ 100
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Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 77 globally 41
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 136 globally 10
Music & Nightlife
Rank 46 globally 58
Cinema Density
Rank 48 globally 43
Cultural Freedom
Rank 160 globally 38
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 51 globally 75
61
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 31 globally 59
Restaurant Density
Rank 28 globally 74
Street Food Scene
Rank 31 globally 59
Local Market Quality
Rank 58 globally 60
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 29 globally 65
Local Freshness
Rank 78 globally 60
Local Authenticity
Rank 40 globally 52

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

55
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 209 globally 47
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 71 globally 38
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 64 globally 29
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 6 globally 93
Child Safety Score
Rank 55 globally 72
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 27 globally 45
Playground Density
Rank 61 globally 62

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

43
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 105 globally 50
Veterinary Quality
Rank 34 globally 80
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 194 globally 30
Pet Food Prices
Rank 207 globally 32
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 109 globally 40
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 197 globally 35
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 171 globally 32
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
84
/ 100
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Residence Permit Ease
Rank 21 globally 86
E-Government
Rank 20 globally 91
Visa Processing Time
Rank 4 globally 78
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 11 globally 88
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 43 globally 80
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 31 globally 78
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 44 globally 82
79
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 38 globally 75
Visa Application Ease
Rank 5 globally 90
Border Openness
Rank 76 globally 80
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 20 globally 88
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 210 globally 53
88
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 6 globally 90
Remote Work Legality
Rank 2 globally 97
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 52 globally 81
Remote Job Market
Rank 40 globally 79
Coworking Density
Rank 18 globally 85
Nomad Community
Rank 2 globally 99
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 24 globally 89
83
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 26 globally 89
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 38 globally 82
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 18 globally 84
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 69 globally 72
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 62 globally 75
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 20 globally 90
37
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 213 globally 0
Family Reunification
Rank 140 globally 54
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 214 globally 8
Residence Status Stability
Rank 141 globally 56
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 119 globally 59
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 2 globally 97
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 191 globally 40
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

70
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 118 globally 48
Local Language Barrier
Rank 85 globally 64
Integration Ease
Rank 27 globally 81
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 139 globally 56
Expat Community Size
Rank 1 globally 100
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 160 globally 51
International Schools
Rank 1 globally 100
40
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 124 globally 54
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 180 globally 27
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 142 globally 43
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 164 globally 32
90
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 13 globally 90
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 2 globally 93
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 19 globally 86
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 11 globally 90
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 17 globally 89
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
84
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 27 globally 84
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 25 globally 89
Accommodation Availability
Rank 32 globally 76
Booking & Transparency
Rank 34 globally 86

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

86
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 18 globally 86
Digital Travel Services
Rank 19 globally 90
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 36 globally 89
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 54 globally 79
72
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 57 globally 59
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 35 globally 83
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 120 globally 62
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 24 globally 82
70
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 59 globally 80
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 40 globally 80
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 163 globally 51

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

54
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 192 globally 56
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 192 globally 59
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 190 globally 54
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 190 globally 59
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 222 globally 34
91
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 14 globally 95
Off-Season Usability
Rank 15 globally 89
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 14 globally 89
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 9 globally 92
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

30
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 214 globally 21
Democracy Index
Rank 188 globally 28
Personal Freedom
Rank 192 globally 45
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 192 globally 21

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

68
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 97 globally 97
PISA Score
Rank 68 globally 53
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 76 globally 52
Education Expenditure
Rank 138 globally 65
School Life Expectancy
Rank 94 globally 73
49
/ 100
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Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 0
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 25 globally 50
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 54 globally 50
Gini Index
Rank 165 globally 43
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 1 globally 88
Housing Support Score
Rank 64 globally 51
Social Mobility Score
Rank 63 globally 56
Social Cohesion
Rank 121 globally 54
44
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 137 globally 53
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 124 globally 53
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 160 globally 35
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 180 globally 27
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 160 globally 35

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

5
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 216 globally 1
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 209 globally 11
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 213 globally 6
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 216 globally 4
Pride Culture
Rank 217 globally 0
56
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 93 globally 53
Public Accessibility
Rank 85 globally 55
Digital Accessibility
Rank 82 globally 61
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 105 globally 57

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

22
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 206 globally 21
Secularization Score
Rank 204 globally 13
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 103 globally 38
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 199 globally 21

Demography

10 indicators

56
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 126 globally 55
Fertility Rate
Rank 141 globally 55
Population Growth
Rank 72 globally 50
Net Migration Rate
Rank 4 globally 90
Urbanization Rate
Rank 46 globally 85
Foreign Population Share
Rank 1 globally 100
Population Density
Rank 133 globally 56
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 223 globally 0
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 229 globally 4
Single-Person Households
Rank 136 globally 19