Indicators
Wealth & Growth 9
- GDP growthHow much the economy grew (or shrank) over one year, once the effect of price increases is removed.
- GDP per capita growthThe change over one year in the wealth produced per person, excluding price increases.
- GDPThe value of everything the country produces in one year (goods, services, construction and so on). It is the size of its economy.
- GDP, purchasing power parityThe size of the economy, calculated with prices "evened out" between countries so that the same shopping basket is worth the same everywhere.
- GDP per capitaThe wealth produced in one year, divided by the number of inhabitants. It is a simple way to compare average living standards.
- GDP per capita, purchasing power parityWealth per person, adjusted for the cost of living: how many goods and services a person can really afford.
- Natural resource rentsThe share of national wealth that comes from extracting oil, gas, coal, minerals and timber.
- Gross national income per capita (Atlas method)The income earned by a country's residents (including abroad), divided by the population. The World Bank uses it to sort countries into low, middle or high income.
- Net national income per capitaThe income left per person once the wear and tear on machinery and buildings (capital that wears out) is subtracted.
Prices, Inflation & Currency 7
- Inflation (GDP deflator)The rise in prices of everything the country produces (not just what households consume) over one year.
- Inflation (consumer prices)The average rise over one year in the prices of the things people buy every day.
- Broad money supply (M3)The amount of money in circulation (banknotes, current accounts, short-term savings), compared with the country's wealth.
- Price of a Big MacThe price of a McDonald's Big Mac sandwich, converted into US dollars at the current exchange rate. It is the same product everywhere in the world, which makes it a simple way to compare the cost of living between countries. Recorded twice a year by The Economist magazine.
- Lending interest rateThe rate banks charge their customers for a loan.
- Real interest rateThe rate on bank loans once the rise in prices is subtracted.
- Official exchange rateHow many units of the country's currency it takes to buy 1 US dollar.
Employment 8
- UnemploymentThe share of people who want to work but have no job, among everyone who works or is looking for work.
- Youth unemployment (ages 15-24)The share of 15-24 year-olds without a job among those who work or are looking for work (students not seeking a job are not counted).
- Employment in agricultureThe share of workers whose job is farming, livestock, fishing or forestry.
- Employment in industryThe share of workers employed in factories, mines, construction sites and energy production.
- Employment in servicesThe share of workers employed in services: retail, health, education, banking, transport, restaurants and so on.
- Labor force participation rate (ages 15 and over)The share of people aged 15 and over who work or are looking for a job.
- Employment rate (ages 15 and over)The share of people aged 15 and over who have a job.
- Self-employed workersThe share of workers who work for themselves or run their own business, rather than being employees.
Foreign Trade 7
- Exports of goods and servicesThe value of everything the country sells abroad (products and services), compared with its wealth.
- High-technology exportsThe share of highly technological products (computers, aircraft, medicines, precision instruments) in exports of manufactured goods.
- Merchandise exportsThe value of the goods and materials (cars, oil, clothing, wheat and so on) that the country sells abroad in one year.
- Services exportsThe value of services sold abroad: tourism, transport, finance, IT and so on.
- Imports of goods and servicesThe value of everything the country buys from abroad, compared with its wealth.
- Trade opennessExports plus imports, compared with the country's wealth. Measures how intensely the country trades with the rest of the world.
- Current account balanceThe balance of all the money flowing between the country and the rest of the world (trade, income, transfers), compared with its wealth.
Investment, Tourism & Aid 6
- Official development aid receivedThe development aid the country receives from other governments and international organizations, compared with its national income.
- International tourist arrivalsThe number of foreign tourists who came to the country in one year.
- Foreign direct investment inflowsThe money foreign companies invest in the country (factories, offices, takeovers), compared with its wealth.
- Foreign direct investment inflows (amount)The total amount invested in the country by foreign companies in one year.
- International tourism receiptsThe money spent in the country by foreign tourists in one year.
- Migrant remittances receivedThe money sent by people living abroad to their relatives back home, compared with national wealth.
Public finances 8
- Government final consumptionWhat the government spends to run public services (salaries, supplies and so on), compared with the country's wealth.
- Central government debtWhat the central government owes in total, compared with what the country produces in one year.
- Research and development spendingWhat the country (government and businesses) invests in research and innovation, compared with its wealth.
- Military spendingWhat the country spends on its armed forces, compared with its wealth.
- Central government spendingWhat the central government spends each year (salaries, pensions, roads, health and so on), compared with the size of the economy.
- Share of income taxes in government revenueCitizens and companies pay taxes to the state. This indicator shows what share of central government revenue comes from taxes on income, corporate profits and capital gains, rather than from other revenue (sales taxes, customs duties, grants, etc.).
- Tax revenueThe taxes and duties collected by the central government, compared with the size of the economy.
- Budget balanceThe difference between what the government takes in and what it spends, compared with the size of the economy.
Finance & Reserves 5
- Stock market capitalizationThe total value of companies listed on the stock market, compared with the size of the country's economy.
- Domestic credit to the private sectorThe total loans banks give to businesses and individuals, compared with the country's wealth.
- External debtWhat the country (government, banks, companies) owes to foreign lenders, compared with its national income.
- Reserves in months of importsFor how many months the country's reserves could pay for all of its imports.
- Total reserves (including gold)The gold and foreign currency reserves held by the country's central bank.
Economic structure 7
- Agriculture, forestry and fishingThe share of the country's wealth that comes from farming, livestock, fishing and forestry.
- Household final consumptionThe share of the country's wealth that households spend on what they buy: food, housing, leisure and so on.
- Gross capital formationWhat the country spends on building factories, roads and housing and on buying machinery, compared with its wealth.
- Industry (including construction)The share of the country's wealth that comes from industry, mining, energy and construction.
- ManufacturingThe share of the country's wealth that comes from factories making goods (cars, clothing, machinery and so on).
- ServicesThe share of the country's wealth that comes from services: retail, health, education, banking, tourism and so on.
- Gross savingsThe share of national income that is not spent but set aside (by households, businesses and the government).
Population & Vital Statistics 13
- Adults with an official IDAn official ID (identity card, passport, voter card, etc.) makes it possible to prove who you are in order to vote, open a bank account or access public services. This indicator gives the share of people aged 15 and over who say they have one, according to the Global Findex survey (ID4D programme).
- Births registered with civil authoritiesRegistering a child's birth with the civil registry gives the child a legal existence: a name, a nationality and access to school or health care. This indicator gives the share of children under 5 whose birth has been registered by the authorities.
- PopulationThe number of people living in the country, of all ages.
- Share of women in the populationShare of women in the country's total population, as a percentage.
- Share of men in the populationShare of men in the country's total population, as a percentage. Calculated value: 100 minus the share of women from the same World Bank series (United Nations).
- Number of men per 100 womenRatio between the number of men and the number of women in the population. Calculated value: (100 − share of women) ÷ share of women × 100, from the World Bank series (United Nations).
- Boys per 100 girls at birthNumber of boys born per 100 girls born in the same year. Worldwide, slightly more boys than girls are born. Source value (boys per girl) multiplied by 100.
- Share of 0-14 year oldsShare of children aged 0 to 14 in the total population, as a percentage.
- Share of 15-64 year oldsShare of people aged 15 to 64 (usual working ages) in the total population, as a percentage.
- Share of people aged 65 and overShare of people aged 65 and over in the total population, as a percentage.
- Median age of the populationAge that divides the population into two equal halves: half of the inhabitants are younger, the other half older (United Nations estimate).
- Age dependency ratioNumber of people under 15 or over 64 per 100 people aged 15 to 64. It gives an idea of the weight of non-working ages relative to the usual working ages.
- Urban populationShare of the population living in cities, as a percentage. The definition of an urban area is set by each country, so it varies from one country to another.
Births, deaths and life expectancy 14
- Birth rateNumber of live births in a year, per 1,000 inhabitants. It depends both on the number of children per woman and on the share of women of childbearing age.
- Death rateNumber of deaths in a year, per 1,000 inhabitants. This "crude" rate depends heavily on the age of the population: a very old country can have a high rate despite good care.
- Life expectancy at birthNumber of years a newborn would live on average if the risks of death at each age stayed those observed in the year in question. Both sexes are counted together.
- Female life expectancy at birthNumber of years a girl born this year would live on average if the risks of death at each age stayed those observed in the year in question.
- Male life expectancy at birthNumber of years a boy born this year would live on average if the risks of death at each age stayed those observed in the year in question.
- Healthy life expectancyNumber of years a newborn could expect to live in good health, that is, not counting years lived with a significant illness or disability. Both sexes are counted together (WHO estimate).
- Children per womanAverage number of children a woman would have over her lifetime if, at each age, she had the fertility observed that year (total fertility rate). About 2.1 keeps the population stable without migration.
- Population growthAnnual change in the total population, as a percentage. It combines births, deaths and migration. A negative value means the population is shrinking.
- Infant mortalityNumber of children who die before their first birthday, per 1,000 live births (estimate from the UN Inter-agency Group).
- Under-5 mortalityProbability of dying before the age of 5, expressed per 1,000 live births (estimate from the UN Inter-agency Group).
- Suicide rateNumber of suicide deaths in a year, per 100,000 inhabitants, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO estimate). Both sexes are counted together.
- Female suicide rateNumber of suicide deaths among women in a year, per 100,000 women, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO estimate).
- Male suicide rateNumber of suicide deaths among men in a year, per 100,000 men, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO estimate).
- Road traffic deathsEstimated number of people killed in road accidents in a year, per 100,000 inhabitants. The figures are WHO estimates, not only deaths recorded by the police.
Health and healthcare system 12
- PhysiciansNumber of physicians (general practitioners and specialists) per 1,000 inhabitants. Figures come from national registers and their years differ from one country to another.
- Hospital bedsNumber of inpatient beds available per 1,000 inhabitants, in public and private, general and specialized hospitals.
- Nurses and midwivesNumber of nurses and midwives (including auxiliaries) per 1,000 inhabitants. Definitions and years vary somewhat between countries.
- Health expenditureCurrent health expenditure (public and private) relative to the wealth produced by the country (GDP). It includes the care and health goods consumed during the year, not buildings or equipment.
- Share of health spending paid directly by patientsShare of health spending paid directly by patients at the time of care, without reimbursement by the state or an insurer.
- HIV prevalenceShare of people aged 15 to 49 living with HIV (UNAIDS estimate).
- UndernourishmentShare of the population whose usual diet does not provide enough energy for an active and healthy life (FAO estimate). Very low values are shown as "2.5", meaning "2.5% or less".
- Access to basic drinking waterShare of the population with at least a "basic" drinking water service: an improved source within a 30-minute round trip.
- Access to basic sanitationShare of the population with at least "basic" toilets: improved toilets not shared with other households.
- Open defecationShare of the population without toilets who relieve themselves outdoors: fields, bushes, watercourses or other open places.
- Measles vaccinationShare of children aged 12 to 23 months who have received at least one dose of the measles vaccine (WHO and UNICEF estimate).
- New tuberculosis casesEstimated number of new tuberculosis cases (including undetected cases) in a year, per 100,000 inhabitants (WHO estimate).
Body and lifestyle 14
- Average weight of womenAverage weight of adult women, in kilograms, as recorded in national health surveys cited by Wikipedia. Only measurements taken on site (not self-reported weights) among adults across a wide age range are used. Partial coverage (about fifty countries).
- Average weight of menAverage weight of adult men, in kilograms, as recorded in national health surveys cited by Wikipedia. Only measurements taken on site (not self-reported weights) among adults across a wide age range are used. Partial coverage (about fifty countries).
- Average height of womenAverage height of adult women, in centimeters, estimated by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration scientific network from numerous health measurements. The value corresponds to height at age 18 of people born in 1996 (so adults in 2014), the latest generation published.
- Average height of menAverage height of adult men, in centimeters, estimated by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration scientific network from numerous health measurements. The value corresponds to height at age 18 of people born in 1996 (so adults in 2014), the latest generation published.
- Mean body mass index of menMean body mass index (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared) of adult men aged 18 and over, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO modeled estimate).
- Mean body mass index of womenMean body mass index (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared) of adult women aged 18 and over, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO modeled estimate).
- Adult obesityShare of adults aged 18 and over whose body mass index is 30 or more, age-adjusted to allow comparison between countries (WHO modeled estimate). Both sexes are counted together.
- Obesity among adult menShare of men aged 18 and over whose body mass index is 30 or more, age-adjusted (WHO modeled estimate).
- Obesity among adult womenShare of women aged 18 and over whose body mass index is 30 or more, age-adjusted (WHO modeled estimate).
- Alcohol consumption per capitaAmount of pure alcohol consumed on average per inhabitant aged 15 and over in a year, in liters (three-year average, WHO estimate). It counts recorded (sold) alcohol and an estimate of unrecorded alcohol.
- Tobacco useShare of people aged 15 and over who currently use tobacco (smoked or smokeless, daily or occasionally) (WHO estimate). E-cigarettes are not counted.
- Tobacco use among menShare of men aged 15 and over who currently use tobacco (smoked or smokeless, daily or occasionally) (WHO estimate).
- Tobacco use among womenShare of women aged 15 and over who currently use tobacco (smoked or smokeless, daily or occasionally) (WHO estimate).
- Diabetes prevalenceShare of people aged 20 to 79 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, adjusted for the age of the population to allow comparison between countries.
Origins, languages and religions 15
- Ethnic diversity (fractionalization index)Measures the probability that two people randomly drawn in the country do not belong to the same ethnic group. Calculation published by Alesina and coauthors (2003) from sources such as the Encyclopædia Britannica; the groups used are those of these sources and the data date from different periods depending on the country.
- Linguistic diversity (fractionalization index)Measures the probability that two people randomly drawn in the country do not belong to the same linguistic group. Calculation published by Alesina and coauthors (2003) from sources such as the Encyclopædia Britannica; the groups used are those of these sources and the data date from different periods depending on the country.
- Religious diversity (fractionalization index)Measures the probability that two people randomly drawn in the country do not belong to the same religious group. Calculation published by Alesina and coauthors (2003) from sources such as the Encyclopædia Britannica; the groups used are those of these sources and the data date from different periods depending on the country.
- Regular attendance at places of worshipShare of respondents who say they attend a religious service at least once a month (excluding weddings, funerals and baptisms), based on the World Values Surveys. The data come from opinion surveys conducted in a limited number of countries (about 80 to 120 depending on the question); absent countries were not surveyed. The year shown is that of the latest survey wave available for the country.
- Share of the population: other religions (including folk religions)Share of the population that identifies with another religion (folk or traditional religions, Sikhism, Baha'i Faith, Taoism, Shinto and others), based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of the population: BuddhistsShare of the population that identifies as Buddhist, based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of the population: ChristiansShare of the population that identifies as Christian, based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of the population: HindusShare of the population that identifies as Hindu, based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of immigrants in the populationShare of the population born abroad or, failing that, of foreign nationality, according to estimates from the UN Population Division reused by the World Bank. This also includes refugees.
- Share of the population: JewsShare of the population that identifies as Jewish, based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of the population: MuslimsShare of the population that identifies as Muslim, based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Share of the population: people with no religious affiliationShare of the population that reports no religious affiliation (atheists, agnostics or no particular religion), based on Pew Research Center estimates for 2020. This category does not exclude personal beliefs or practices. The figures come from Pew Research Center estimates based on censuses and surveys; each person is counted according to their own religious identity, regardless of practice.
- Frequent prayerShare of respondents who say they pray at least several times a week (excluding weddings and funerals), based on the World Values Surveys. The data come from opinion surveys conducted in a limited number of countries (about 80 to 120 depending on the question); absent countries were not surveyed. The year shown is that of the latest survey wave available for the country. The question has only been asked since 2014.
- Importance of religion in lifeShare of respondents who say religion is "very" or "rather" important in their life, in answer to the question asked in the World Values Surveys. The data come from opinion surveys conducted in a limited number of countries (about 80 to 120 depending on the question); absent countries were not surveyed. The year shown is that of the latest survey wave available for the country.
- Majority religionIndicator calculated from Pew Research Center population shares (2020). A religion is shown when more than 50% of inhabitants identify with it; otherwise the country is classified as "No absolute majority". People with no religious affiliation are counted as a separate group.
Inequality 4
- Gini indexA number from 0 to 100 that sums up income inequality: 0 if everyone earns the same, 100 if one person earns everything.
- Income share of the richest 10%The share of the country's total income received by the best-off 10% of people.
- Income share of the poorest 20%The share of the country's total income received by the 20% of people with the lowest incomes.
- Extreme povertyThe share of people living on less than 3 dollars a day (price-adjusted), the international extreme poverty line.
Territory & Borders 8
- Population densityThe average number of inhabitants for each square kilometer of land.
- Latitude of the country's centerLatitude tells how far a point is from the equator, to the north or to the south. Here we use the country's geographic center. A country close to 0 is near the equator (warm all year); the farther away it is, the closer it gets to the poles (colder).
- Length of land bordersThe total length of the borders a country shares with its neighbors on land. An island country has no land border. The longer the border, the more kilometers there are to watch over and cross.
- Length of coastlineThe length of a country's coast, meaning the line between land and sea. A landlocked country (with no access to the sea) has a coastline of 0. Islands and countries with very jagged shores often have a very long coastline compared with their size.
- Number of neighboring countriesThe number of countries with which a country shares a land border. Islands have no neighbors of this kind. Countries with many neighbors are often at the crossroads of several cultures and routes.
- Landlocked countryA landlocked country is one with no coast at all: it is entirely surrounded by land. It must go through a neighboring country for its ships or goods to reach the sea.
- Total areaThe country's total surface, including land and inland waters (lakes, rivers).
- Land areaThe surface of the country without lakes and large rivers: land only.
Terrain, Water & Climate 6
- Average elevationThe average height of the country's ground above sea level. It gives an idea of the terrain: a mountainous country has a high average elevation, while a country of plains or low islands has a low one.
- Renewable fresh water per personThe amount of renewable fresh water (rivers, groundwater) available per person each year.
- Highest pointThe highest place in the country, measured above sea level. For some countries it is a famous great peak; for others it is just a hill.
- Lowest pointThe lowest place in the country relative to sea level. A value of 0 means the country goes down to the sea, and a negative value means part of the country lies below sea level.
- Population living less than 5 m above sea levelThe share of people who live less than 5 meters above sea level.
- Average annual rainfallThe depth of water that falls on average each year as rain or snow.
Land & Nature 4
- Protected land areasThe share of the country's territory set aside as national parks, nature reserves or other protected zones.
- Forest coverThe share of the country's territory covered by forests.
- Agricultural landThe share of the territory used to grow crops or raise animals (fields, orchards, pastures).
- Arable landThe share of the territory where crops can be grown (grains, vegetables and so on), not counting pastures and orchards.
Democracy & Elections 13
- Head of the executive chosen through multiparty electionsIndicates, according to V-Dem, whether the head of the executive (president or head of government) is chosen in multiparty elections, either directly or by a parliament that is itself elected this way. It does not say whether these elections are free and fair.
- Free and fair elections indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which elections are free from registration fraud, systematic irregularities, intimidation of the opposition, vote buying and violence, and whether the body that organizes them is autonomous.
- Liberal democracy indexThis V-Dem index adds to electoral democracy the protection of individual liberties, equality before the law and oversight of the executive by the judiciary and parliament.
- Participatory democracy indexThis V-Dem index measures, in addition to electoral democracy, the room left for citizen participation: civil society organizations, direct democracy, and regional and local governments.
- Egalitarian democracy indexThis V-Dem index measures electoral democracy as well as the equal protection of rights, access to power and distribution of resources among groups in the population.
- Electoral democracy indexThis V-Dem index measures whether leaders are chosen in free and fair elections with broad voting rights, and whether freedom of association and freedom of expression are guaranteed. It is calculated from expert assessments from around the world.
- Civil society participation indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which major civil society organizations are consulted by policymakers, how many people take part in them, and whether women can take part.
- Core civil society indexThis V-Dem index estimates the freedom and vitality of civil society organisations (associations, trade unions, NGOs): their freedom to be created and to act, and their protection from repression.
- Share of adults with the right to voteShare of adult citizens who legally have the right to vote in national elections, according to V-Dem. Legal exclusions (for example based on sex, property or status) bring it below 100%. It does not say whether the elections are free.
- Political regimeClassification of regimes from “Regimes of the World” (Lührmann, Tannenberg and Lindberg), adopted by V-Dem. In a closed autocracy, citizens choose neither the executive nor parliament in multiparty elections. In an electoral autocracy, there are multiparty elections but without the freedoms that make them free and fair. In an electoral democracy, they are free and fair; in a liberal democracy, individual rights are also protected and power is checked.
- Minimum voting ageAge from which a citizen has the right to vote in national elections, according to the CIA World Factbook. When the source text gives several different ages or an ambiguous rule, the country is left out.
- Multiparty legislative electionsShows, according to V-Dem, whether the national assembly (parliament) is chosen in elections where several parties can field candidates. It does not say whether these elections are free and fair.
- Multiparty national electionsShows, according to V-Dem, whether national elections are multiparty, that is, whether several parties can field candidates in them. It does not say whether these elections are free and fair.
Civil Liberties & Human Rights 9
- Academic freedom indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which academics can research, teach, publish and speak out without interference or censorship, and whether universities are autonomous.
- Freedom of association indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which parties, including opposition parties, can form and run in elections, and the extent to which civil society organizations can be created and operate freely.
- Freedom of expression indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which people can talk about politics in private and in public, whether the press and media are free and present diverse views, and whether academic and cultural freedom of expression is respected.
- Human rights index (V-Dem)This V-Dem index estimates the extent to which people are protected from torture, political killings and forced labor, have property rights, and enjoy freedom of movement, religion, expression and association.
- Political civil liberties indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which people enjoy freedom of expression and freedom of association, which allow them to take part in political life.
- Private civil liberties indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which people are protected from forced labor, have property rights, and enjoy freedom of movement and freedom of religion.
- Index of individual liberties and equality before the lawThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which citizens enjoy physical integrity, freedom of religion and movement, freedom from forced labour, access to justice, transparent laws and an impartial administration.
- Protection from physical violence by the state (V-Dem)Measures the extent to which people are protected from political killings and torture by the state. Estimate by experts of the V-Dem project.
- Equality of civil liberties across social groupsThis V-Dem score estimates the extent to which social groups (language, ethnicity, religion, race, region, caste) are protected from forced labor, and have property rights, access to justice and freedom of movement.
Governance & Rule of Law 11
- Absence of corruption in the judiciaryThis expert-based V-Dem score estimates how often corruption occurs in the courts. A high score means less judicial corruption, a negative score more.
- Control of corruption (WGI)World Bank indicator that summarizes perceptions of the extent to which public power is used for private gain, including petty and grand corruption and the capture of the state by elites.
- Government effectiveness (WGI)World Bank indicator that sums up the perceived quality of public services, of the civil service, of its independence from political pressure, and of the reliability of the policies pursued.
- Rule of law index (V-Dem)This V-Dem index estimates the extent to which the government respects the law, courts are independent, laws are transparent, justice is accessible, corruption is absent and the administration is impartial.
- Judicial constraints on the executive indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which the executive respects the constitution and court rulings, and the extent to which courts are independent.
- Political corruption indexThis V-Dem index estimates the extent to which a country is affected by political corruption: bribes in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, and embezzlement of public funds.
- Corruption Perceptions IndexThis Transparency International index scores perceived corruption in the public sector from 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (very clean): bribes, embezzlement, favoritism. It is calculated from several surveys of experts and business leaders, not from cases tried in court.
- Regulatory quality (WGI)World Bank indicator that sums up perceptions of the government's ability to put in place rules and policies that allow the private sector to develop.
- Political stability and absence of violence (WGI)World Bank indicator that summarizes perceptions of the likelihood that the government will be destabilized or overthrown by violent or unlawful means, including terrorism.
- Voice and accountability (WGI)World Bank indicator that sums up the perceived freedom of citizens to choose their government, as well as freedom of expression, association and the press. It aggregates many surveys and expert assessments.
- Rule of law (WGI)A World Bank indicator that summarises perceptions of citizens' confidence in the rules of society: contract enforcement, property rights, the police and the courts, and the likelihood of crime and violence.
Women's rights 17
- Year women gained the right to voteFirst year of the current, uninterrupted period in which all women in the country can vote in national elections. Countries where the right is not granted to all women have no value. The year may be later than the first time women voted when other restrictions remained afterwards. This is the right to vote in national elections: the index ignores informal restrictions, those linked to age, convictions, disability or residence, and whether or not elections are held. For former federal states (USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia), the producer of the dataset uses the value of the former state before their independence.
- Paid maternity leaveThe law is examined on the length of paid maternity leave: the score is full from 98 calendar days (14 weeks), zero if there is no paid leave, and intermediate otherwise. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Paid paternity leaveThe law is examined on the length of paid leave reserved for fathers: the score is full from 14 calendar days, zero if there is no paid leave, and intermediate otherwise. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's right to voteThis indicator says whether all women in the country have the right to vote in national elections. It concerns the right to vote in national elections: the index ignores informal restrictions, those related to age, convictions, disability or residence, and whether or not elections are held. For former federated states (USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia), the database producer carries over the value of the former state before independence.
- Women's right to take a job without permissionThe law is examined on three points: no restriction on a woman's ability to pursue a profession, no permission required from a husband or guardian, and no penalty (such as the loss of alimony) if she works against her family's wishes. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's right to travel abroadThe law is examined on two points: can a woman travel abroad, and can she apply for a passport, in the same way as a man? Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women subjected to partner violence (past 12 months)Share of ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 who experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner in the past 12 months (modeled estimates from the World Health Organization).
- Ban on gender discrimination in employmentThe law is examined on two points: it prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sex (or requires equal treatment), and this prohibition is not limited to a single aspect such as pay or dismissal. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Femicide lawThe law is examined on one point: whether it specifically punishes femicide (the intentional killing of a woman for a reason related to her gender) or provides for aggravated penalties for the intentional killing of women. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Law on sexual harassmentThe law is examined in four areas: at work, at school, in public places or transport, and online (cyberharassment). Each area must have criminal penalties or civil remedies. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Law on domestic violenceThe law is examined on four points: a law exists, it provides criminal penalties, it provides protection orders, and it covers physical, psychological, economic and sexual violence (including marital rape). Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Share of women in parliamentShare of seats held by women in the lower (or single) chamber of the national parliament. The figures come from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, relayed by the World Bank.
- Share of women among ministersShare of women among members of the government who hold the rank of minister, according to data from UN Women and the Inter-Parliamentary Union relayed by the World Bank.
- Legal quota for women on company boardsThe law is examined on one point: whether it imposes a mandatory quota of women on company boards of directors. The score is full from 40%, and intermediate for a lower quota or a requirement to have at least one woman. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Equal inheritance between sons and daughtersThe law is examined on one point: whether it gives sons and daughters the same rights to inherit from their parents, requires equal shares, or makes no distinction between boys and girls. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Equal pay for work of equal valueThe law is examined on three points: it requires equal pay for work of equal value (as defined by the International Labour Organization), it is not limited to the “same work” or “similar work”, and it covers all remuneration and not only the basic wage. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Equal property ownership rightsThe law is examined on one point: it gives men and women the same rights to own and manage immovable property, including land. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
Women's Legal Equality (Indices) 11
- Legal protection of women against violenceThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law addresses domestic violence, sexual harassment, femicide and child marriage. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: access to employmentThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law allows women to get a job like men, prohibits discrimination in hiring and at work, and allows requests for flexible work. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: property and inheritanceThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law gives women the same rights as men over immovable property, inheritance (daughters and surviving wives) and the value of unpaid work in a divorce. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: parental leave and pregnancyThis score from 0 to 100 looks at what the law provides around childbirth: paid maternity and paternity leave, coverage of benefits by the state and the prohibition of dismissing a pregnant worker. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: entrepreneurshipThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law allows women to start a business on the same terms as men, prohibits discrimination in access to credit, provides for gender-sensitive public procurement and sets a quota of women on boards of directors. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: childcareThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law organizes childcare services: nurseries, quality standards, support for families and for private providers. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: overall indexThis index sums up, from 0 to 100, how far written laws give women the same economic rights as men. It is the average of ten thematic scores: safety, mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, childcare, entrepreneurship, assets and pension. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: marriageThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law gives women the same rights as men in marriage: being head of household, not having to obey one's husband, divorcing and remarrying. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: mobilityThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law allows women to choose where to live, to leave the marital home, to travel abroad and to pass on their nationality to their spouse and children, just like men. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: retirementThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the retirement age and the mandatory retirement age are the same for women and men, whether survivor's pensions are equal and whether periods spent caring for children count towards the pension. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Women's legal equality: pay and occupationsThis score from 0 to 100 looks at whether the law requires equal pay for work of equal value and whether women can work in the same jobs as men (night work, jobs considered dangerous, economic sectors). Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
LGBTQ+ rights 17
- Joint adoption by a same-sex coupleShows whether national law allows a same-sex couple to adopt a child together. The possibility of adopting as a single person is not taken into account here.
- Legal change of gender markerShows whether there is a legal procedure to change the gender marker on identity documents, and what it requires: a simple declaration, a court decision, a medical diagnosis, surgery, or surgery with sterilization.
- Anti-LGBT hate crimes: aggravating circumstanceIndicates whether national hate crime law treats it as an aggravating circumstance when a crime targets a person because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- LGBT rights index (composite policy index)A numerical summary of a country's LGBT laws: measures that extend rights (marriage, protection against discrimination, gender recognition, etc.) are added, and those that limit them (criminalisation, the death penalty, “propaganda” laws, etc.) are subtracted.
- Ban on incitement to anti-LGBT hatredShows whether national law prohibits inciting hatred or violence against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Ban on non-consensual surgeries on intersex childrenIndicates whether national law bans sex-assignment operations performed without consent on intersex children, that is, children born with sex characteristics that do not fit the usual categories.
- Ban on conversion therapiesShows whether national law bans “conversion therapies”, practices that claim to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Laws limiting public LGBT expression (“propaganda”)Shows whether national law limits the public expression of LGBT identities, for example through so-called “propaganda” or “public morality” laws.
- Same-sex marriage and civil unionShows whether same-sex couples can marry, or can only enter a civil union, or whether the law provides nothing. “Prohibited” means that the law defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman, with no civil union.
- Death penalty for same-sex relationsShows whether the law provides for the death penalty for sexual relations between people of the same sex. This is what the law says, not the number of sentences actually handed down.
- Protection from discrimination in goods and services (LGBT)Shows whether national law prohibits refusing a good or service (housing, shops, healthcare, etc.) because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Protection against employment discrimination (sexual orientation, gender identity)Indicates whether national law prohibits discrimination in hiring and at work based on sexual orientation, gender identity, both or neither.
- Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitutionShows whether the country's constitution explicitly protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or both.
- Legal recognition of a third genderIndicates whether national law recognizes a gender marker other than "male" or "female" on official documents.
- Same-sex sexual relationsShows whether consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex are allowed by national law or punished by criminal law. In a few countries, the rule differs by region.
- Gender-affirming care: coverage and restrictionsShows whether gender-affirming care (for example hormones or surgery) is funded by the state or restricted by national law, for adults and for minors.
- Age of sexual consent: same-sex couplesCompares the minimum age of sexual consent set by law for same-sex couples and for different-sex couples. When the law sets no age for same-sex couples, it is almost always because these relationships are punished.
Justice and security 8
- United Nations Convention against TortureThis UN convention (1984) requires states to prevent and punish torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. This indicator shows whether the country has ratified or signed it.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)The ICCPR is a 1966 UN treaty that protects, among other things, the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. This indicator shows whether the country has ratified or signed it.
- Civilian access to handgunsShows how the law regulates handgun ownership by private individuals: prohibited, subject to the discretionary authorisation of the authorities, granted as of right if the conditions are met, or possible without a licence.
- Rome Statute of the International Criminal CourtThe Rome Statute (1998) created the International Criminal Court, which tries genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. This indicator says whether the country is a party to the treaty, has only signed it, or has left it.
- Legal status of the death penaltyShows whether the death penalty still exists in the country's law: abolished for all crimes, abolished except for exceptional crimes (such as treason or war crimes), retained in law but with no executions for at least ten years, or retained and applied.
- Legal status of cannabis (medical use)Shows whether cannabis can be used as a medicine in the country: prohibited, allowed only in the form of derivatives (for example CBD or cannabis-based medicines), or allowed.
- Legal status of cannabis (recreational use)Shows what the law says about possessing cannabis for non-medical personal use: prohibited, prohibited but rarely prosecuted, decriminalized (no more criminal prosecution for small amounts) or legalized.
- Homicide rateNumber of intentional homicides recorded per 100,000 inhabitants in a year, according to police and criminal justice statistics.
Health and reproductive rights 8
- Births attended by skilled health personnelShare of births attended by a doctor, a midwife or other trained health personnel.
- Abortion: grounds allowed by lawShows in which cases the law allows abortion: never, only to save the woman's life, for reasons of health, rape or fetal impairment, for economic or social reasons, or on request. The classification uses the broadest ground allowed.
- Abortion on request: maximum legal time limitNumber of weeks of pregnancy up to which the law allows abortion at the woman's simple request, without having to give a reason. Only countries that set this limit in weeks are shown.
- Unmet need for contraceptionShare of married or partnered women aged 15 to 49 who want to avoid or delay pregnancy but do not use any method of contraception.
- Family planning needs met by modern methodsAmong married or partnered women who want to space or limit their births, the share whose need is met by a modern method of contraception.
- Maternal mortalityNumber of women who die during pregnancy or within 42 days after it ends, per 100,000 live births (modeled estimate).
- Adolescent birth rateNumber of births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 in a year.
- Use of modern contraceptivesShare of married women or women in a union, aged 15 to 49, who use a modern method of contraception (pill, IUD, condom, sterilisation, etc.).
Work and social rights 9
- Children in child labor (ages 5-17)Child labor refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, their schooling or their health, or that is too hard for their age. This indicator gives the share of children aged 5 to 17 affected, based on household surveys. Only countries with a recent survey are included.
- Non-respect of freedom of association and collective bargainingThe International Labour Organization (ILO) rates, based on official texts and national sources, how far a country respects the right to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively. The rating runs from 0 (fullest respect) to 10 (weakest respect).
- Population covered by at least one social benefitSocial protection covers public support such as family allowances, pensions, unemployment benefits, and help in case of illness or disability. This ILO indicator gives the share of the population that receives at least one of these benefits or is covered by a social insurance scheme.
- Legal monthly minimum wageThe minimum wage is the lowest monthly pay an employer is allowed to pay, set by law or by a national agreement. Countries with no national legal minimum wage (some countries where wages are set by sector agreements) are absent. Amounts are gross, for one month of full-time work. Here, the amount is converted into US dollars at the exchange rate of the year.
- Statutory monthly minimum wage in purchasing power parityThe minimum wage is the lowest monthly pay that an employer is allowed to pay, set by law or by a national agreement. Countries without a national statutory minimum wage (some countries where wages are set by sector-level agreements) are absent. Amounts are gross, for one month of full-time work. Here, the amount is adjusted for price differences between countries (purchasing power parity), which makes it easier to compare what can be bought with it.
- Employees covered by a collective agreementA collective agreement is an accord between employers and trade unions that sets working rules (pay, hours, leave) for an entire sector or company. This indicator is the share of employees to whom such an agreement applies, whether or not they are union members.
- Trade union membership rateA trade union is an organization that defends the interests of workers. The union membership rate is the share of employees who are members of a union. The data come from administrative statistics or national surveys, depending on the country.
- Legal retirement age (women)This is the age at which the law allows women to retire with a full pension. When the law provides for a gradual increase, the age in force in the year shown is used. Countries whose age depends on several conditions (long careers, number of children, etc.) and is given as a range are not included.
- Legal retirement age (men)This is the age at which the law allows men to retire with a normal pension. When the law provides for a gradual increase, the age in force in the year shown is used. Countries where the age depends on several conditions (long careers, number of children, etc.) and is given as a range are left out.
Family & Nationality 10
- Years of residence required for naturalizationNaturalization allows a foreigner to obtain a country's nationality. Most countries require having lived there for a certain number of years beforehand. Only countries that give a single, simple number of years are included; those whose rule depends on the situation (ranges, conditions) are not.
- Dual nationalityDual nationality means being a citizen of two countries at the same time. Some countries accept it freely, others accept it only in certain cases (agreement between countries, prior authorisation, etc.) and others refuse it.
- Women's right to be head of householdThe law is examined on three points: it does not designate the husband as head of household, it does not give him the family record book by default, and it places no restriction on a woman being head of household. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Women's right to divorceThe law is examined on one point: whether the divorce procedure, the rules of evidence or the protections provided are the same for a woman as for a man. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Legal framework on child marriageThe law is examined on four points: the legal age of marriage is 18 or older for both girls and boys, there is no exception with parental consent, a marriage below the legal age is void or voidable, and adults who allow or perform it are penalized. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).
- Women married before age 18Share of women aged 20 to 24 who married or entered a union before turning 18, based on household surveys (UNICEF, demographic surveys). This is practice, not law.
- Nationality acquired by birth on the territoryIn some countries, a child automatically becomes a citizen simply by being born on the territory (known as birthright citizenship, or jus soli). In most others, nationality depends mainly on that of the parents (jus sanguinis) or on additional conditions.
- Wife's legal duty of obedience to her husbandThe law is examined on one point: it contains no rule requiring a married woman to obey her husband, or it provides that spouses have the same rights and duties. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).
- Legal status of polygamyPolygamy is being married to several people at the same time (most often a man with several wives). Depending on the country, the law recognizes it, limits it to one religion or to local customs, or does not recognize it. Countries whose status is not specified in the source are absent.
- Age of civil majorityThe age of civil majority is the age at which the law considers a person an adult: they can then sign contracts, manage their property and make their own decisions. Each country sets this age; countries where it varies by region or by subject are left out.
Civic duties 4
- Duration of compulsory schoolingThis is the number of years during which children are legally required to attend school, from entry into primary school to the end of compulsory schooling. This duration is set by each country's law; it does not say how many children actually attend school.
- Compulsory military serviceIn some countries, the law requires citizens (often men, sometimes women too) to perform military service for a given period, even when the army also recruits volunteers. Elsewhere, the army is made up only of volunteers and professionals. The classification comes from the text of the CIA World Factbook on military service age and obligation; countries where the text does not settle the question are left out.
- Compulsory votingIn a few countries, the law requires registered voters to vote, sometimes under threat of a fine. In most countries, voting is a right but not an obligation. Here, “compulsory” means the law provides for it, even if the penalty is not always enforced.
- Age of entry into primary schoolThis is the official age at which children start primary school, according to each country's regulations (source: UNESCO). In most countries, schooling becomes compulsory at that point.