The average for 2024 based on 177 countries was 3.2 percent. The highest value was in Guyana: 43.37 percent and the lowest value was in Palestine: -26.56 percent. The indicator is available from 1961 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

According to the latest credit ratings of S&P, the largest economies worldwide confirmed a high level of creditworthiness, with all countries being in the investment grade category - as opposed to the speculative grade. ****************************** were the most creditworthy countries on the list. An *** rating indicates a very low risk of default, as the country is considered extremely capable of meeting its financial commitments even in challenging economic conditions. This level of rating is often referred to as prime or superior and is associated with a very high likelihood of repayment, making it highly attractive for investors. *****, on the other hand, had the lowest rating of all countries in the list. A BBB rating from S&P signifies that Italy's sovereign debt is considered investment grade, albeit at the lower end of this category. This rating reflects an adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, though ***** may face more economic vulnerability than countries with higher ratings. Economic weaknesses, such as higher debt levels and structural challenges, contribute to *****’s BBB rating, while its diversified economy and EU membership support stability.

Using a panel of 17 Latin American countries for the period 2002–18, we study the impact of economic variables on government approval. Our empirical analysis shows that the one economic variable that appears consistently in all estimates is economic growth. More specifically, we show that for each point of additional growth, the approval rating increases between 1.1 and 1.9 percentage points. Other variables, such as inflation, government spending, and the composition of spending, are significant in only some of the specifications used, while growth is remarkably robust in all of them. Among non-economic variables, the lack of solid institutions also appears consistently as significant as well as the lagged value of government approval ratings. These results suggest that a program focused on growth has a positive influence on the popularity of the government. This conclusion is particularly relevant in a region where populism has been remarkably persistent over time and where the norm has been to run large budget deficits to gain popular support, with consequences on inflation and the external accounts.

The average for 2024 based on 174 countries was 59 index points. The highest value was in Singapore: 84 index points and the lowest value was in North Korea: 3 index points. The indicator is available from 1995 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

According to the latest credit ratings of Moody's, the largest economies worldwide confirmed a high level of creditworthiness, with all countries being in the investment grade category - as opposed to the speculative grade. These ratings reflect each country’s creditworthiness, with Aaa being the highest rating, indicating minimal credit risk. ****************************** were the most creditworthy countries on the list. An Aaa rating indicates a very low risk of default, as the country is considered extremely capable of meeting its financial commitments even in challenging economic conditions. This level of rating is often referred to as prime or superior and is associated with a very high likelihood of repayment, making it highly attractive for investors. *****, on the other hand, had the lowest rating of all countries in the list. A Baa3 rating from Moody's signifies that Italy's sovereign debt is considered investment grade, albeit at the lower end of this category. This rating reflects an adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, though ***** may face more economic vulnerability than countries with higher ratings. Economic weaknesses, such as higher debt levels and structural challenges, contribute to *****’s Baa rating, while its diversified economy and EU membership support stability.

Singapore led the Index of Economic Freedom in 2024, with an index score of 83.5 out of 100. Switzerland, Ireland, Taiwan, and Luxembourg rounded out the top five. Economic Freedom Index In order to calculate the Economic Freedom Index, the source takes 12 different factors into account, including the rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and open markets. All 12 factors are rated on a scale of zero to 100 and are weighted equally. Every country is rated within the Index in order to provide insight into the health and freedom of the global economy. Singapore's economy Singapore is one of the four so-called Asian Tigers, a term used to describe four countries in Asia that saw a booming economic development from the 1950s to the early 1990. Today, the City-State is known for its many skyscrapers, and its economy continue to boom. It has one of the lowest tax-rates in the Asia-Pacific region, and continues to be open towards foreign direct investment (FDI). Moreover, Singapore has one of the highest trade-to-GDP ratios worldwide, underlining its export-oriented economy. Finally, its geographic location has given it a strategic position as a center connecting other countries in the region with the outside world. However, the economic boom has come at a cost, with the city now ranked among the world's most expensive.

The average for 2025 based on 184 countries was 3.13 percent. The highest value was in Libya: 17.3 percent and the lowest value was in Equatorial Guinea: -4.2 percent. The indicator is available from 1980 to 2030. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Credit Rating Market Outlook

The global credit rating market size was valued at approximately USD 6.5 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach around USD 11.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by increasing global financial activities and the rising need for transparent and reliable credit evaluations.

The growth of the credit rating market is significantly influenced by globalization and the expansion of financial markets. As more countries integrate into the global economy, the need for reliable credit ratings becomes crucial to facilitate cross-border investments and financial transactions. This trend is amplified by the rising corporatization across emerging economies, which necessitates stringent credit evaluations to ensure financial stability and investor confidence. Furthermore, technological advancements have enabled more sophisticated and accurate credit rating methodologies, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of credit ratings.

Another significant growth factor is the regulatory landscape surrounding financial markets. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly emphasizing the importance of transparent credit rating mechanisms to mitigate risks and prevent financial crises. This regulatory push has led to an increased demand for credit rating services, as financial institutions and corporations strive to comply with stringent standards and enhance their creditworthiness. Additionally, the rise in defaults and bankruptcies during economic downturns underscores the importance of robust credit rating systems, further driving market growth.

Moreover, the proliferation of digital finance and fintech innovations is reshaping the credit rating market. The advent of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology is transforming traditional credit rating processes, making them more efficient and dynamic. These technologies enable real-time data analysis and provide deeper insights into creditworthiness, thereby improving the accuracy and timeliness of credit ratings. As a result, fintech companies and startups are increasingly entering the credit rating space, introducing innovative solutions that cater to a broader range of market needs.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the credit rating market, driven by the presence of major credit rating agencies and a highly developed financial ecosystem. Europe follows closely, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and financial stability. The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate, fueled by rapid economic development, increasing financial activities, and the growing importance of credit ratings in emerging markets. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, supported by improving financial infrastructures and regulatory reforms.

Component Analysis

The credit rating market can be segmented by component into software and services. The software segment includes various tools and applications used by credit rating agencies to analyze financial data, assess creditworthiness, and generate ratings. This segment is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and big data analytics. These technologies enhance the accuracy and efficiency of credit rating processes, enabling agencies to provide more reliable and timely ratings.

Services, on the other hand, encompass the activities performed by credit rating agencies, including data collection, analysis, consulting, and advisory services. The services segment dominates the market, accounting for a larger share due to the expertise and specialized knowledge required in credit rating activities. The growing demand for comprehensive credit evaluation services, coupled with the need for continuous monitoring and updating of credit ratings, is driving the growth of this segment.

The integration of software solutions with credit rating services is becoming increasingly common, as agencies seek to leverage technology to enhance their service offerings. This integration provides a holistic approach to credit rating, combining human expertise with technological capabilities to deliver more accurate and actionable insights. As a result, the software and services segments are increasingly interdependent, driving overall market growth.

Additionally, the emergence of cloud-based solutions is revolutionizing the credit rating mark

In 2025, Israel was given a score of **** on the Economic Freedom Index published by The Heritage Foundation. This positions the country's economy as the top 26th most liberal in the world, just below the United States. The world average economic freedom score in 2021 was ****.

The average for 2024 based on 40 countries was 68 index points. The highest value was in Ireland: 83 index points and the lowest value was in Belarus: 48 index points. The indicator is available from 1995 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

According to the latest credit ratings of Fitch, the largest economies worldwide confirmed a high level of creditworthiness, with all countries being in the investment grade category - as opposed to the speculative grade. These ratings reflect each country’s creditworthiness, with *** being the highest rating, indicating minimal credit risk. Australia, Canada, and Germany were the most creditworthy countries on the list. An *** rating indicates a very low risk of default, as the country is considered extremely capable of meeting its financial commitments even in challenging economic conditions. This level of rating is often referred to as prime or superior and is associated with a very high likelihood of repayment, making it highly attractive for investors. Italy, on the other hand, had the lowest rating of all countries in the list. A *** rating from Fitch signifies that Italy's sovereign debt is considered investment grade, albeit at the lower end of this category. This rating reflects an adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, though Italy may face more economic vulnerability than countries with higher ratings. Economic weaknesses, such as higher debt levels and structural challenges, contribute to Italy’s *** rating, while its diversified economy and EU membership support stability.

The average for 2015 based on 158 countries was 27.78 percent. The highest value was in Zimbabwe: 67 percent and the lowest value was in Switzerland: 6.94 percent. The indicator is available from 1991 to 2015. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

This dataset provides values for CREDIT RATING. reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

This statistic presents the results of a survey on Australia's perceived and actual economic ranking among the world's top 200 countries as of October 2018. According to data published by Ipsos, respondents in Australia underestimated Australia´s global economic ranking. On average, the respondents thought that Australia's GDP ranked number ** among top 200 countries, when actually Australia ranked number ****** in the world.

The average for 2024 based on 175 countries was 5.54 index points. The highest value was in Syria: 9.9 index points and the lowest value was in Denmark: 0.7 index points. The indicator is available from 2007 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Context

This dataset is a copy of the 2017 Human Freedom Index dataset released by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. The dataset uses 2015 data and index-ranks human freedoms in various countries around the world. For more on the Cato Institute, which funded this study, refer to its Wikipedia article.

Content

The data contains a sequence of hierarchical related metrics rated from 0 to 10, with each record corresponding with a country. The data itself in original form can be found at https://www.cato.org/human-freedom-index, alongside an almost 400-page report.

To see the list of metrics refer here.

Acknowledgements

This dataset was produced by the Cato Institute.

Inspiration

I have uploaded this dataset in the potential to find use with the Kiva microfinance data. Kiva involves lending to poor entrepreneurs and folk around the world who have difficulty accessing credit. Greater personal and economic freedom leads to greater personal and market growth, allowing entrepreneurs to grow themselves and others into achieving higher standards of living.

Credit Rating Market size was valued at USD 58 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 77 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.Global Credit Rating Market DriversEconomic Conditions: General economic performance, including GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation, can significantly impact credit ratings. Strong economic conditions tend to lead to higher credit ratings, whereas economic downturns can lead to downgrades.Regulatory Environment: Changes in regulations affecting financial markets, banking, and investment practices can influence the demand and supply for credit ratings. New regulations may require more comprehensive credit assessments.Global Credit Rating Market RestraintsRegulatory Changes: Increased scrutiny and regulation from governmental bodies can impose restrictions on how credit rating agencies operate. For instance, regulations may require more transparency and accountability or impose penalties for issuers of misleading ratings.Market Competition: The presence of multiple credit rating agencies can dilute market share and pressure pricing, reducing profitability for established players. New entrants and alternative credit assessment models (such as fintech solutions) can disrupt traditional methodologies and business models.

Data on the top universities for Business and Economics in 2025, including disciplines such as Accounting and Finance, Business Management, and Economics.

The global credit rating market size was valued at USD 10.74 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 12.12 billion in 2026 to USD 21.46 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2026-2033). The market growth is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for credit ratings from various stakeholders such as investors, lenders, and issuers, who rely on these ratings to assess the financial stability and creditworthiness of companies and governments. The growing need for transparency and accountability in financial markets is driving the demand for credit ratings. Credit ratings provide independent and objective assessments of the creditworthiness of borrowers, helping investors make informed decisions and lenders manage their risk exposure. Additionally, regulatory requirements in many countries mandate the use of credit ratings for certain types of financial transactions, further boosting market growth. The increasing complexity and volatility of financial markets have also led to a greater need for specialized credit rating services, driving the expansion of the market.

Credit bureaus and rating agencies in the US have experienced notable growth in recent years due to heightened demand for information. The reliance on data analytics has driven increased interest in these services, which provide vital information on creditworthiness for both individuals and businesses. This has been particularly significant as businesses and individuals seek to make well-informed financial decisions. Despite challenges related to the pandemic, inflation and high interest rates, the industry has thrived and profit has soared, indicating its resilience and the critical nature of the services it offers in a data-driven economy. While long-term demand for information has buoyed the industry, providers’ trajectory has been influenced by broader economic conditions, notably equity market fluctuations. The industry weathered initial pandemic-related disruptions, which precipitated a sharp fall in stock prices and corporate profit. Nonetheless, rapid fiscal and monetary responses bolstered investor confidence and led to a robust rebound in equity markets, contributing to massive revenue growth in 2020 and 2021. Soaring interest rates in 2022 and 2023 boosted recessionary fears among investors, hindering demand for equities, reducing stock prices and thus contributing to a major drop in revenue in 2022. These effects have percolated into the real economy as consumer and business borrowing has slowed, constraining aggregate household debt and corporate debt. These effects have negatively impacted the industry in 2023 and 2024, though a rebound in the stock market has prevented a major collapse in revenue. Overall, revenue for credit bureaus and rating agencies in the US is anticipated to soar at a CAGR of 4.3% over the past five years, reaching $16.4 billion in 2024. This includes a 1.3% drop in revenue in that year. Looking ahead, credit bureaus and rating agencies will face a more tempered growth trajectory over the next five years. The broad adoption of online services and data analytics has led to market saturation, reducing opportunities for exponential revenue growth. Nonetheless, stable economic growth and business formation should sustain a steady demand for credit reporting and rating services. The predicted slower growth in equity prices will moderate financial institutions' borrowing capacity, which will also contribute to the slowdown in revenue growth. Overall, revenue for credit bureaus and rating agencies in the United States is forecast to inch upward at a CAGR of 1.1% over the next five years, reaching $17.4 billion in 2029.