Southeast Asia's Most Prosperous Countries in 2026

Prosperity is more than economic wealth. The Legatum Prosperity Index assesses countries through a broad understanding of prosperity, including the quality of institutions, economic opportunities, social conditions, health, education, and the ability of people to live fulfilling lives. The index uses numerous indicators organized across 12 pillars to provide a wider picture of national prosperity.

Based on the 2026 scores provided, Singapore is the most prosperous country in Southeast Asia, achieving an impressive score of 83.80. Its leading position reflects its highly developed economy, strong infrastructure, effective institutions, and international business environment.

Singapore has consistently been one of the region's strongest performers in areas such as economic quality and infrastructure, although prosperity rankings also consider social and individual dimensions beyond economic performance.

Malaysia ranks second with a score of 73.03. The country benefits from a diversified economy, established infrastructure, and relatively broad access to education and healthcare. Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest country by population and economy, follows in third place with 66.89.

Its position reflects progress across several areas, including enterprise conditions, social capital, governance, and infrastructure, although challenges remain in living conditions and human development.

In fourth place is Thailand, scoring 65.72. Thailand's established tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors contribute to its overall prosperity.

The Philippines ranks fifth with 63.06, followed closely by Vietnam, which records 62.48. Vietnam has made significant long-term progress in prosperity, with particularly notable strengths in social capital and health in previous Legatum assessments.

Timor-Leste occupies seventh place with 60.70, ahead of Cambodia, which scores 48.35. Although Cambodia has experienced substantial economic development, improving prosperity depends on continued progress across education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunity.

The final two countries are Laos, with a score of 46.37, and Myanmar, with 42.76. Their positions indicate greater challenges in achieving broad-based prosperity compared with other Southeast Asian countries.

Overall, the 2026 figures show considerable differences in prosperity across Southeast Asia. Singapore stands clearly at the top, while Malaysia and Indonesia form the next tier of regional performers.

At the same time, the scores demonstrate that prosperity is multidimensional: economic growth alone is not enough. Strong institutions, inclusive societies, personal wellbeing, education, healthcare, and opportunities for citizens are all essential to building lasting prosperity.