Country profile

Zambia: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Zambia 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, Dining & Going Out and Conflicts & Political Security 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 Social System & Social Cohesion, Basic Infrastructure & Logistics and LGBTQ+ Friendliness.

Overall rating 52.44 points
Global rank Rank 171 globally
Continental rank Rank 19 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 Zambia

Why is Zambia 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 Zambia?

Vacation Costs, Dining & Going Out and Conflicts & Political Security 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 Social System & Social Cohesion, Basic Infrastructure & Logistics and LGBTQ+ Friendliness.

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

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 Zambia 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

Zambia 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.

All ratings and indicators for Zambia

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

57
/ 100
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Homicide Rate
Rank 149 globally 83
Petty Crime Index
Rank 153 globally 46
Women's Safety
Rank 152 globally 50
Organized Crime
Rank 116 globally 51
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 144 globally 71
BAC Limit (‰)
Rank 204 globally 1
90
/ 100
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Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 7 globally 96
Political Violence
Rank 99 globally 81
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 94 globally 88
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

66
/ 100
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Flood Risk
Rank 88 globally 53
Storm Risk
Rank 17 globally 94
Earthquake Risk
Rank 92 globally 72
Drought Risk
Rank 160 globally 52
Wildfire Risk
Rank 225 globally 17
Landslide Risk
Rank 48 globally 68
Tsunami Risk
Rank 1 globally 100
Volcano Risk
Rank 159 globally 85

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

55
/ 100
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State Surveillance
Rank 138 globally 57
Internet Censorship
Rank 133 globally 61
Internet Freedom
Rank 136 globally 57
Data Protection Laws
Rank 173 globally 32
VPN Access
Rank 136 globally 65
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 134 globally 55
44
/ 100
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Rule of Law
Rank 147 globally 45
Property Rights Security
Rank 163 globally 42
Corruption Perception
Rank 142 globally 38
Police Effectiveness
Rank 146 globally 50
Expropriation Risk
Rank 140 globally 50
Extradition Risk
Rank 45 globally 51

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

52
/ 100
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Political Stability
Rank 117 globally 61
Economic Resilience
Rank 195 globally 46
Government Efficiency
Rank 153 globally 49
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 162 globally 48
❤️ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

49
/ 100
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Healthcare Quality
Rank 185 globally 41
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 146 globally 62
Emergency Care
Rank 173 globally 42
Medicine Access
Rank 162 globally 55
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 173 globally 44
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 168 globally 51
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 35 globally 87
Doctor Density
Rank 182 globally 12
Hospital Beds
Rank 211 globally 10
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 183 globally 65
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 54 globally 74
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 147 globally 46

Environmental Health

6 indicators

38
/ 100
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Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 152 globally 57
Noise Pollution
Rank 103 globally 55
UV Radiation
Rank 103 globally 26
Tap Water Safety
Rank 177 globally 52
Sanitation
Rank 206 globally 22
Waste Management
Rank 217 globally 5
52
/ 100
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Life Expectancy
Rank 191 globally 47
Infectious Diseases
Rank 224 globally 27
Obesity Rate
Rank 31 globally 86
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 191 globally 20
Mental Health
Rank 169 globally 55
Suicide Rate
Rank 190 globally 42
Maternal Mortality
Rank 156 globally 47
Vaccination Rate
Rank 123 globally 88
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 72 globally 73
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 114 globally 77
💸 Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

71
/ 100
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Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 55 globally 91
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 158 globally 42
Social Security Burden
Rank 50 globally 85
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 131 globally 49
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 137 globally 68
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 107 globally 67
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 119 globally 22
51
/ 100
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Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 172 globally 57
Capital Market Depth
Rank 170 globally 53
Business Credit Access
Rank 158 globally 51
Investor Protection
Rank 153 globally 43
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 150 globally 45
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 192 globally 57
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 149 globally 45
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 129 globally 53

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

61
/ 100
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Expat Banking Ease
Rank 150 globally 32
Banking Stability
Rank 122 globally 75
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 149 globally 76
Fintech Development
Rank 108 globally 62
ATM Availability
Rank 188 globally 36
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 137 globally 46
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 15 globally 93
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

31
/ 100
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Crypto Adoption
Rank 126 globally 28
Crypto Regulation
Rank 141 globally 35
Legal Status
Rank 141 globally 38
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 114 globally 15
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 123 globally 61
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 137 globally 9

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

63
/ 100
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Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 135 globally 35
Transaction Costs
Rank 118 globally 65
Affordability
Rank 34 globally 80
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 28 globally 79
40
/ 100
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Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 25
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 165 globally 48
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 179 globally 49
Days to Register a Company
Rank 162 globally 42

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

48
/ 100
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GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 195 globally 29
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 204 globally 39
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 215 globally 16
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 62 globally 86
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 166 globally 50
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 111 globally 87
Central Bank Independence
Rank 189 globally 51
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 153 globally 53
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 154 globally 63
34
/ 100
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Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 178 globally 15
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 175 globally 16
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 125 globally 73
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 6 globally 98
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 182 globally 36
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 182 globally 15
🏠 Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

80
/ 100
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City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 52 globally 60
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 49 globally 74
Electricity Cost
Rank 9 globally 98
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 101 globally 97
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 51 globally 98

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

83
/ 100
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Milk Price per Liter
Rank 46 globally 76
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 72 globally 79
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 58 globally 80
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 51 globally 82
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 36 globally 81
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 47 globally 90
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 43 globally 87

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

91
/ 100
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Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 53 globally 84
Burger Menu Price
Rank 56 globally 96
Cappuccino (Café)
Rank 48 globally 90
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 31 globally 96
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 29 globally 97
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 43 globally 92
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 34 globally 95
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 43 globally 85
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 60 globally 95

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

76
/ 100
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Transit Cost
Rank 46 globally 96
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 144 globally 57
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 108 globally 84
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 21 globally 98
Car Purchase Index
Rank 153 globally 1
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 40 globally 97
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 17 globally 98
75
/ 100
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Internet Cost
Rank 133 globally 55
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 48 globally 74

Personal Services

4 indicators

85
/ 100
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Haircut Cost
Rank 44 globally 90
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 35 globally 97
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 154 globally 62
Local Services Cost
Rank 44 globally 91
🏗️ Infrastructure ShowHide
19
/ 100
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Logistics Performance
Rank 148 globally 18
Rail Network Density
Rank 88 globally 23
Airport Connectivity
Rank 153 globally 26
Port Connectivity
Rank 182 globally 1
40
/ 100
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Road Quality
Rank 155 globally 36
Traffic Congestion
Rank 81 globally 58
Road Density
Rank 192 globally 45
Traffic Deaths
Rank 182 globally 44
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 175 globally 3

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

61
/ 100
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Power Outages
Rank 183 globally 41
Electrification Rate
Rank 194 globally 44
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 92 globally 55
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 11 globally 95
CO2 Intensity
Rank 47 globally 62
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
22
/ 100
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Broadband Speed
Rank 168 globally 31
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 191 globally 2
Mobile Speed
Rank 168 globally 39
5G Coverage
Rank 140 globally 5

Public Transport

4 indicators

30
/ 100
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Transit Coverage
Rank 164 globally 28
Transit Punctuality
Rank 172 globally 45
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 154 globally 8
Walkability Score
Rank 181 globally 40
🌿 Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

50
/ 100
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Annual Working Hours
Rank 206 globally 32
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 28 globally 87
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 184 globally 45
Burnout Risk
Rank 181 globally 38
Public Holidays
Rank 92 globally 48

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

84
/ 100
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Temperature Comfort
Rank 33 globally 74
Sunshine Hours
Rank 63 globally 88
Humidity Comfort
Rank 5 globally 99
Rainy Days
Rank 58 globally 75
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 53 globally 94
Seasonal Variation
Rank 109 globally 79

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

55
/ 100
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Beach Quality
Rank 189 globally 0
Mountain Access
Rank 140 globally 30
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 1 globally 100
Biodiversity Index
Rank 47 globally 78
Forest Cover
Rank 32 globally 79

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

44
/ 100
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Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 181 globally 20
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 59 globally 72
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 183 globally 23
Recovery Time
Rank 166 globally 60

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

27
/ 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 161 globally 30
Cinema Density
Rank 138 globally 12
Cultural Freedom
Rank 144 globally 42
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 73 globally 70
26
/ 100
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Cuisine Diversity
Rank 188 globally 22
Restaurant Density
Rank 181 globally 25
Street Food Scene
Rank 180 globally 24
Local Market Quality
Rank 164 globally 32
Café Culture
Rank 178 globally 20
Local Freshness
Rank 164 globally 36
Local Authenticity
Rank 201 globally 22

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

35
/ 100
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Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 29 globally 98
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 162 globally 23
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 157 globally 19
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 197 globally 36
Child Safety Score
Rank 188 globally 38
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 162 globally 8
Playground Density
Rank 188 globally 22

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

44
/ 100
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Pet Entry Rules
Rank 132 globally 40
Veterinary Quality
Rank 178 globally 25
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 19 globally 75
Pet Food Prices
Rank 13 globally 72
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 160 globally 25
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 156 globally 42
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 171 globally 32
✈️ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
49
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 153 globally 60
E-Government
Rank 187 globally 42
Visa Processing Time
Rank 57 globally 62
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 159 globally 50
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 175 globally 43
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 175 globally 28
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 186 globally 40
50
/ 100
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Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 129 globally 35
Visa Application Ease
Rank 162 globally 51
Border Openness
Rank 151 globally 48
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 165 globally 39
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
40
/ 100
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Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 156 globally 33
Remote Work Legality
Rank 175 globally 43
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 154 globally 54
Remote Job Market
Rank 152 globally 50
Coworking Density
Rank 167 globally 28
Nomad Community
Rank 162 globally 26
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 165 globally 35
49
/ 100
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Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 161 globally 49
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 156 globally 53
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 164 globally 49
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 155 globally 49
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 174 globally 41
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 152 globally 52
48
/ 100
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Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 124 globally 42
Family Reunification
Rank 155 globally 51
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 136 globally 55
Residence Status Stability
Rank 141 globally 56
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 156 globally 49
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 166 globally 24
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 57 globally 90
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

56
/ 100
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English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 66 globally 67
Local Language Barrier
Rank 80 globally 65
Integration Ease
Rank 137 globally 60
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 132 globally 57
Expat Community Size
Rank 147 globally 30
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 117 globally 61
International Schools
Rank 134 globally 41
36
/ 100
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Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 168 globally 42
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 157 globally 31
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 169 globally 35
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 154 globally 34
45
/ 100
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Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 162 globally 44
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 124 globally 46
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 160 globally 45
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 164 globally 41
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 148 globally 53
🏖️ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
37
/ 100
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Hotel Quality
Rank 188 globally 32
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 168 globally 41
Accommodation Availability
Rank 191 globally 30
Booking & Transparency
Rank 166 globally 44

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

47
/ 100
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Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 162 globally 35
Digital Travel Services
Rank 165 globally 45
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 152 globally 57
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 157 globally 52
44
/ 100
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Major Attractions Density
Rank 180 globally 31
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 164 globally 47
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 132 globally 60
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 179 globally 36
43
/ 100
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Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 217 globally 19
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 207 globally 33
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 54 globally 78

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

92
/ 100
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Hotel Cost
Rank 47 globally 93
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 47 globally 94
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 41 globally 92
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 71 globally 90
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 1 globally 88
72
/ 100
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High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 90 globally 86
Off-Season Usability
Rank 172 globally 60
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 176 globally 54
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 38 globally 87
🌐 Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

55
/ 100
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Press Freedom
Rank 135 globally 52
Democracy Index
Rank 123 globally 59
Personal Freedom
Rank 144 globally 59
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 147 globally 47

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

49
/ 100
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Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 162 globally 88
PISA Score
Rank 182 globally 12
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 215 globally 7
Education Expenditure
Rank 73 globally 83
School Life Expectancy
Rank 186 globally 55
14
/ 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 225 globally 14
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 191 globally 0
Housing Support Score
Rank 215 globally 11
Social Mobility Score
Rank 210 globally 15
Social Cohesion
Rank 165 globally 44
47
/ 100
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Gender Equality
Rank 120 globally 57
Women’s Rights & Equality
Rank 129 globally 52
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 145 globally 40
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 157 globally 34
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 154 globally 37

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

21
/ 100
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Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 158 globally 12
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 161 globally 25
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 162 globally 27
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 168 globally 22
Pride Culture
Rank 160 globally 20
32
/ 100
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Disability Support Score
Rank 183 globally 27
Public Accessibility
Rank 174 globally 34
Digital Accessibility
Rank 177 globally 31
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 174 globally 37

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

57
/ 100
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Religious Freedom Index
Rank 125 globally 73
Secularization Score
Rank 154 globally 36
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 103 globally 38
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 135 globally 63

Demography

10 indicators

57
/ 100
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Median Age
Rank 5 globally 95
Fertility Rate
Rank 181 globally 37
Population Growth
Rank 6 globally 80
Net Migration Rate
Rank 107 globally 47
Urbanization Rate
Rank 163 globally 36
Foreign Population Share
Rank 162 globally 30
Population Density
Rank 33 globally 76
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 90 globally 53
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 22 globally 91
Single-Person Households
Rank 156 globally 14