Annual reports

The Path to Prosperity The 2024 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

In this “year of election,” freedom continues to decline globally. Political rights, judicial independence, and checks and balances are eroding. Prosperity growth has slowed, particularly in developing countries. The data underscores a strong link between freedom and prosperity, highlighting the need for data-driven policy reforms.

Read the Report

2024 Atlas: Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Twenty leading economists and government officials from eighteen countries contributed to this comprehensive volume, which serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of contemporary governance. 

Read the Book

Publications

Supporters of Kenya's opposition leader and presidential candidate Raila Odinga, of the Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) One Kenya Alliance, attend his final campaign rally ahead of the August 9th General election, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, August 6, 2022.

Issue Brief

Jun 11, 2024

The missing piece: Political parties are critical to democracy in Africa

By Santiago Stocker, Patrick Quirk, and Dan Scaduto

As many as seventeen countries in Africa will head to the polls in 2024. This piece analyzes the state of political parties in Sub-Saharan Africa, using Freedom and Prosperity Indexes data to show why multiparty systems are key to democratic strength.

Africa
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2024

Thirty years of South African democracy, visualized

By James Storen, Nina Dannaoui-Johnson

With South Africans heading to the polls on May 29, it is worth reflecting on how their country has changed since transitioning to democracy in 1994.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

Issue Brief

Apr 15, 2024

How Bangladesh can achieve its vision of prosperity

By Nina Dannaoui-Johnson, Joseph Lemoine, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee

Bangladesh is forging ahead with its Vision 2041, aiming to transform into a developed and prosperous country by 2041.

Bangladesh
Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2024

Ahead of its presidential election, Senegal shows that democracy requires the rule of law

By James Storen, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee

For Senegal to cement its status as a haven of democracy, the country must prioritize judicial independence and the rule of law.

Elections
Freedom and Prosperity

Report

Mar 15, 2024

Attracting foreign direct investments

By Jérémie Bertrand, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea, and Caroline Perrin

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a pivotal objective for countries seeking to bolster their economic development and global competitiveness. By delving into the relationship between freedom and FDI using the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes and examining institutional mechanisms to influence investment, we shed light on the dynamics that determine a country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

Economy & Business
Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

South Africa needs political change to meet economic demands

By Greg Mills

South Africa’s future hinges on political changes, especially the potential shift to a coalition government in the 2024 election. Economic challenges, including rising debt, demand urgent reforms. Global alliances, notably with BRICS and China, affect trade dynamics, emphasizing the need for diversification.

Africa
Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

China’s authoritarian trend meets resistance in East Asia and the Pacific

By Kelley E. Currie

China’s influence shapes political and economic dynamics in East Asia and the Pacific. Despite resistance, its practices hinder freedom across the region. Youth movements demand responsive systems. Weak institutions and challenges like inequality persist, requiring diversified economic strategies and strengthened democracies to navigate regional complexities.

China
Democratic Transitions

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

China must spread its wealth to reach equality

By Johanna Kao

Despite phenomenal growth in GDP, Chinese people have seen only modest gains (if any) across a range of freedom and prosperity indices. The Chinese Communist Party has failed to share the benefits of the country’s upward economic trajectory equally among its citizens.

China
Civil Society

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Climate crisis fuels change in MENA region

By Rabah Arezki

The region faces economic and political transitions amid geopolitical risks, climate change, and energy market shifts. Escalating conflicts are exacerbating instability. Climate change poses existential threats, intensifying water crises and domestic tensions. Socioeconomic transformation will be vital to meet youth aspirations and tackle polarization.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe’s prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Europe & Eurasia
European Union
Load More

Events

Public Event Mon, June 23, 2025 • 7:00 pm ET

2025 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes launch
Eastern Europe Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights Inclusive Growth
Online Event Fri, June 20, 2025 • 9:30 am ET

The societal value of religious freedom: An integral human development approach
Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Flagship Event Wed, March 19, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Global Prosperity Forum

The Global Prosperity Forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars to explore actionable solutions for global development, freedom, democracy, and shared prosperity.
Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights Inclusive Growth
Public Event

Women for prosperity Zimbabwe
Africa Women
Public Event Wed, October 9, 2024 • 5:30 am ET

Advancing democracy: A fireside chat on US global leadership and priorities with Assistant Secretary Rand
Democratic Transitions Elections Human Rights Political Reform
Public Event Thu, September 12, 2024 • 10:00 am ET

Elections under threat: Priorities for 2024, 2025, and beyond
Elections Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, June 25, 2024 • 4:30 am ET

2024 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes launch

Examining the latest trends in freedom and prosperity among 164 countries around the world.
Freedom and Prosperity
Online Event Tue, June 18, 2024 • 9:00 am ET

Religious freedom and integral human development: A new global platform
Freedom and Prosperity
Public Event Wed, March 20, 2024 • 4:00 pm ET

What is the future of Republican foreign policy?
Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity National Security Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Mon, February 26, 2024 • 11:30 pm ET

2024 Annual Research Conference

Scholars and policymakers from around the world present their research and analysis on international development and the relationship between freedom and prosperity. 
Freedom and Prosperity
Load More

About the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

Watch and share the video on YouTube.

Democracy Pulse

Democracy Pulse

Democracy Pulse breaks down the latest trends and data in democracy and human rights in a succinct shorts series. Available on YouTube and Atlantic Council TV.

Learn more

Media

Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party has won the election in Taiwan, and will be inaugurated as Taiwan’s next president on May 20. As his term commences, James Storen breaks down Taiwan’s performance in the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, examining numerous indicators including political freedom and elections.
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the economic bloc known as BRICS, convened for their annual summit in August. Ahead of the summit, James Storen breaks down the performance of these countries in the 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes. Freedom has declined in all BRICS countries, which has slowed down their progress in achieving prosperity.
An overview of the methodologies and takeaways behind the 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, which measure freedom and prosperity for 164 countries around the world. The annual Freedom and Prosperity Indexes are a primary output of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center.

Explore the data

The Freedom and Prosperity Indexes rank 164 countries around the world according to their levels of freedom and prosperity. Use our award-winning site to explore twenty-nine years of data, compare countries and regions, and examine the sub-indexes and indicators that comprise our indexes.

Explore the indexes

Stay engaged

About the program

The Freedom and Prosperity Center aims to increase the prosperity of the poor and marginalized in developing countries and to explore the nature of the relationship between freedom and prosperity in both developing and developed nations.

Learn more