Switzerland Tops the Prosperity Index for 2026
Switzerland has claimed the top spot in the Prosperity Index for 2026, which includes a total of 161 countries.
The Legatum Institute, a British analytical center, publishes the annual Prosperity Index based on around 300 statistical indicators. The index evaluates the quality of public institutions, economic conditions, and opportunities for human development, including healthcare and education.
Switzerland consistently ranks at the top, followed by Norway and Ireland. Norway regularly features among the most prosperous nations, while Ireland dropped to seventh place in 2021.
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Only one non-European country made it to the top ten: Australia, which ranked ninth. The least prosperous countries are predominantly in Africa, with Afghanistan being a notable exception.
Eritrea ranked last, consistently appearing among the least prosperous nations. The best result for Eritrea was in 2023, when it ranked 156th. Niger and Chad also found themselves at the bottom of the list.
Russia placed 103rd, positioned between Turkey and Tanzania. Russia's best performance was in 2018, when it ranked 82nd. Among post-Soviet countries, Estonia achieved the highest ranking at 19th. Lithuania ranked 25th, Latvia 30th, Georgia 42nd, and Armenia 43rd. Kazakhstan was 66th, Azerbaijan 105th, and Belarus 132nd.
