The World’s Leading Economies by Economic Freedom in 2026

Economic freedom is an important foundation of national prosperity, influencing how easily individuals and businesses can work, invest, trade, innovate and create wealth. According to the 2026 Legatum Prosperity Index, the world’s leading countries in economic freedom include a diverse group of advanced economies and highly competitive emerging markets.

The Legatum Index measures prosperity more broadly than economic performance alone, with economic freedom forming one of the pillars within its wider Freedom domain. 

Switzerland leads the 2026 ranking with an exceptional economic freedom score of 91.09. Its strong performance reflects a broader institutional environment that has helped make the country one of the world's most prosperous economies.

The Legatum Prosperity Index also ranks Switzerland first globally in its overall Freedom domain, highlighting its particularly strong performance across economic freedom, civil peace and freedom of dissent.

Singapore ranks second with 83.49, followed closely by Ireland at 83.02. Both economies have developed strong international business environments and are deeply integrated into global trade and investment networks. Costa Rica, with 81.52, takes fourth place, making it the highest-ranked Latin American country among the ten economies listed.

Japan ranks fifth with 80.58, narrowly ahead of the United States, which records 80.48. The two major economies demonstrate that economic freedom can coexist with very different economic structures, regulatory systems and approaches to government. Their high scores nevertheless place them firmly among the world's strongest performers.

Further down the ranking, Germany records 78.29, followed by Finland at 77.71. Germany's position reflects its powerful industrial economy and established institutions, while Finland combines a highly developed economy with strong governance and social foundations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks ninth with 77.33, standing out as the only Middle Eastern economy in this top ten. Its position highlights the growing economic importance of the Gulf region and the UAE's efforts to establish itself as an international center for business, investment and entrepreneurship.

Finally, Australia completes the top ten with a score of 76.87. Its inclusion reinforces the geographical diversity of the leading economies, spanning Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania.

Overall, these results demonstrate that economic freedom is closely associated with strong institutions, competitive markets and opportunities for enterprise.