Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understand the economic drivers, including GDP, external trade, consumption and leading indicators such as business and consumer confidence, underpinning consumer markets.
Despite the business landscape enjoying relative economic freedom, political instability has been a common feature of Slovakia. Although joblessness is relatively low, wages are increasing, also adding to very high inflation, whilst the war in…
Although Slovenia has been beset by political instability and corruption remains an issue, its economic freedom is one of the best in Eastern Europe. However, the economy is slowing, as inflation is elevated, whilst its highly open nature exposes its…
Although government finances are solid and monetary freedom rank high, the Solomon Islands suffers from pervasive corruption and low investment freedom. Economic performance is expected to be below peers over the near term. The population is young…
Somalia is characterised by corruption and extremely distressed government stability indicators. The economy has much potential, albeit from a low base, with the state prioritising foreign investment in the future. Nevertheless, reliance on…
South Africa’s political landscape continues to be unstable, hindering economic freedom, whilst social unrest negatively impacts peacefulness. Although inflation is falling, the power crisis is adversely affecting economic development and…
Although South Korea enjoys significant economic freedom, corruption amongst high-ranking officials is a blot on its political scene. Inflation is low and a trade deal could help exports, but the economy is slowing and foreign investment could be…
Conflict has shattered peace and caused significant political instability in South Sudan, where corruption is rife. Although the economy is expected to recover in the short term, its trajectory will be modest, whilst large dependence on oil continues…
Spain is suffering from a bout of political instability and economic freedom has worsened. Although economic development is slowing down, it continues to attract foreign investors. However, high, albeit falling, inflation has taken its toll on…
Sri Lanka is grappling with multiple issues including weak economic freedom, corruption, and denial of human rights. Furthermore, an economic crisis led to political instability and trigged hyperinflation, although prices have fallen fast, and output…
St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, showcases political stability within a parliamentary democracy. Its economy hinges on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program driving foreign investment. The country…
St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth recovered to pre-pandemic pace, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty…
St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy political stability and low levels of corruption, but crime is rising. A small population that is hardly growing diminishes the appeal of the consumer market, whilst the populace is also ageing. Internet use is…
In 2023, a war erupted in Sudan, exerting a severe impact on the nation's social and economic advancements. The economy is expected to undergo a substantial contraction, alongside the rise of a significant humanitarian crisis marked by casualties,…
Suriname remains among the ‘repressed’ countries in economic freedom ranking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the economy, which has also suffered from currency devaluation causing a spike in inflation. Whilst the…
Although the political scene is facing instability, Sweden will soon join NATO, whilst its state finances remain sustainable. A slowing economy has been hampered by elevated food and energy prices, but inflation is falling and infrastructure upgrades…
Switzerland is one of the world’s most democratic countries, with extensive economic freedom and strong state finances. Although inflation is under control, economic growth is set to slow further. Consumer market appeal continues to be supported by…
Respect of the rule of law and a dynamic private sector have led to superior economic freedom for Taiwan. However, geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting both the political and economic landscapes. Inflation has been controlled well, but the…
Authoritarian rule has created political stability in Tajikistan, but economic freedom has suffered as a result. The economy is expected to outperform peers in the short term, but a narrow export base creates risks for the external sector. Tajikistan…
Although corruption remains a problem and the rule of law is weak, Tanzania’s state finances are sustainable and economic freedom is improving. Economic momentum is robust and inflation is well contained, but reliance on agriculture continues to be…
Thailand is prone to bouts of political instability, which has adversely affected economic freedom. Moreover, the military’s stranglehold and the influence of the monarch over politics have weakened the rule of law. Returning tourism has helped to…