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Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Iceland
Iceland places highest on Account Ownership at a Financial Institution (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on GDP Growth (bottom 18%).
Iceland in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
387,558
people
since 1950
Land area
100,830
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
68,065
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
82.69
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.972
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.625
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Iceland
Key facts about Iceland
- Capital
- Reykjavík
- Official language
- Icelandic
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK)
- ISO code
- ISL · IS
- Domain · dialling
- .is · +354
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Iceland’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
1stof 150
From 2 of 3 key statistics
1stof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
1stof 177
From 2 of 3 key statistics
3rdof 178
From 2 of 3 key statistics
4thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint16thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint16thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
28thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
36thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
38thof 161
From 2 of 3 key statistics
79thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
99thof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Iceland’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Iceland in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Iceland stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Iceland sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Iceland does best20
In the top third of all countries measured. 20 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 139 · 99.85 · 2024
world median 72.83 (better)
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 181 · 445,023 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
- 1st
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 169 · 0.923 · 2023
world median 0.609 (better)
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 190 · 100 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better)
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 1st
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 190 · 100 · 2024
world median 81.25 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
- 1st
Position · derived 97th of 97 · 1 = worst · 3.975 · 2024
world median 14.31 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2014
- 2nd
Position · derived 168th of 169 · 1 = worst · 4.986 · 2023
world median 17.05 (better)
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 68 · 25.93 · 2022
world median 17.81 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2012
- 4thInformal Employment Ratetop 3%
Position · derived 94th of 97 · 1 = worst · 1.985 · 2025
world median 36.83 (better)
- 4th
- 4thMean Years of Schoolingtop 2%
Position · derived 4th of 193 · 13.91 · 2023
world median 9.933 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2013
- 7th
- 8thINFORM Risk Indextop 3%
Position · derived 184th of 191 · 1 = worst · 1.6 · 2025
world median 3.7 (better)
- 10th
Rank 10th of 181 · 77 · 2025
world median 39 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2015
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 195 · 18.85 · 2023
world median 13.34 (better) · ▼ 4 pts since 2013
Where Iceland struggles most3
Nothing falls into the world's bottom third — these are Iceland's weakest areas even so.
- GDP Growthbottom 18%
Position · derived 152nd of 186 · 1.279 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 44 pts since 2015
- Organic Agricultural Areabottom 29%
Position · derived 111th of 150 · 0.16 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse) · ▼ 20 pts since 2014
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Indexbottom 32%
Rank 117th of 175 · 27.62 · 2026
world median 56.21 (worse) · ▲ 19 pts since 2016
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Iceland can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
9th
of 141 · 1990
1st
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
11th
of 173 · 2012
10th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
13th
of 79 · 1990
7th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
20th
of 132 · 2022
24th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
35th
of 172 · 2020
44th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Iceland has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index+31 pts since 2012
- Adjusted Net Savings+27 pts since 2011
Losing ground
Where Iceland has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Fatal Occupational Injuries-31 pts since 2013
- Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI-22 pts since 2013
05In context
Iceland and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Iceland has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Northern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- =2
Ireland - 4
Denmark - 5
Sweden - 8
Norway - 9Iceland
- 10
Finland - 17
United Kingdom - 19
Lithuania - 22
Estonia - 27
Latvia - —Channel Islandsnot placed
- —
Faroe Islandsnot placed - —
Isle of Mannot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Iceland
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions19
Agriculture Orientation Index49th of 132position · derived0.4Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
top 37% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Iceland 0.4 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Civic Space Ratings27th of 198position · derived85.5Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 13% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Iceland 85.5 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 14%100Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 14% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Iceland 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index10th of 181rank77CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 5% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Iceland 77 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption8th of 132position · derived26.06General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 5% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Iceland 26.06 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index44th of 195rank60.49AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 22% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Iceland 60.49 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness15th of 209position · derived1.646Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
top 7% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Iceland 1.646 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Government Funding per Primary Student3rd of 68position · derived25.93Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 3% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Iceland 25.93 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2012
Open Data Inventory35th of 168rank74ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 22% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Iceland 74 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2016
Public Sector Employment16th of 135position · derived29.91Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
top 11% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Iceland 29.91 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill10th of 168position · derived14.85Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 5% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Iceland 14.85 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
No real change since 2012
Regulatory Quality22nd of 209position · derived1.33Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 10% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iceland 1.33 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law11th of 211position · derived1.628Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 5% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iceland 1.628 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
No real change since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators59th of 188position · derived81.47SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 31% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Iceland 81.47 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
No real change since 2016
Trade Union Density1st of 139position · derived91.42Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 1% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Iceland 91.42 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index26th of 176position · derived0.807Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Iceland 0.807 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability14th of 208position · derived1.425Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 6% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iceland 1.425 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law1st of 190position · derived100WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 3% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Iceland 100 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation28
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution1st of 139position · derived99.85Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 1% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Iceland 99.85 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2021
Adjusted Net Savings72nd of 118position · derived5.696Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
bottom 39% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Iceland 5.696 · world median 8.389 (worse)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▲ +27 percentile points since 2011
Agricultural Land162nd of 209position · derived16.25Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 23% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Iceland 16.25 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)100th of 158position · derived3.654Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 37% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Iceland 3.654 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield105th of 179position · derived2,430Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 42% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Iceland 2,430 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Crop Production Index55th of 195position · derived117.58Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 28% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iceland 117.58 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2012
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)61st of 138position · derived40.11Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 44% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Iceland 40.11 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare84th of 188position · derived97.29Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 44% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Iceland 97.29 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index123rd of 195position · derived102.07Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 37% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iceland 102.07 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth152nd of 186position · derived1.279GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 18% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Iceland 1.279 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -44 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)14th of 185position · derived68,065GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 7% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Iceland 68,065 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index24th of 139rank47.02GII score (0–100)2025
top 17% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Iceland 47.02 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2022
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)38th of 131position · derived26.57Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 28% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Iceland 26.57 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +49 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)67th of 146position · derived23Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 46% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Iceland 23 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption112th of 131position · derived49.62Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 15% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Iceland 49.62 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports78th of 119position · derived0.38ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
bottom 35% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Iceland 0.38 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)69th of 138position · derived42.37Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 50% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Iceland 42.37 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)113th of 158position · derived20.06Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 29% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Iceland 20.06 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index1st of 169position · derived0.923IHDI (0–1)2023
top 1% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Iceland 0.923 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index117th of 175rank27.62LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 32% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Iceland 27.62 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density178th of 188position · derived0.09Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 5% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Iceland 0.09 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Production Index130th of 194position · derived101.26Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 33% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iceland 101.26 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index26th of 139rank3.6LPI score (1–5)2023
top 21% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Iceland 3.6 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)89th of 132position · derived8.529Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 33% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Iceland 8.529 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Research and Development Spending14th of 84position · derived2.64Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 16% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Iceland 2.64 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)179th of 180position · derived0Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 9% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Iceland 0 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)67th of 138position · derived82.49Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
top 48% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Iceland 82.49 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index20th of 99rank76.1Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 19% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Iceland 76.1 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour18
Average Weekly Hours Worked154th of 182position · derived32.38Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Iceland 32.38 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture138th of 182position · derived3.607Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Iceland 3.607 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry102nd of 182position · derived18.24Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Iceland 18.24 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services29th of 182position · derived78.15Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Iceland 78.15 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio17th of 182position · derived72.21Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Iceland 72.21 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 31%1.38Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
top 31% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Iceland 1.38 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2013
Female Labour Force Participation Rate18th of 182position · derived70.01Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iceland 70.01 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager105th of 179position · derived17.12Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 42% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Iceland 17.12 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed25th of 168position · derived114,279GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 14% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Iceland 114,279 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate94th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst1.985Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 3% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Iceland 1.985 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate17th of 182position · derived74.93Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iceland 74.93 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked26th of 182position · derived66.38Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 14% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Iceland 66.38 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate147th of 182position · derived13.3Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 19% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Iceland 13.3 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate121st of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.625Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Iceland 3.625 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment154th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.397Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Iceland 8.397 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training97th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst3.975Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
top 1% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Iceland 3.975 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate128th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.671Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Iceland 8.671 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge8
Expected Years of Schooling10th of 195position · derived18.85Expected years of schooling2023
top 5% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Iceland 18.85 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling4th of 193position · derived13.91Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 2% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Iceland 13.91 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance37th of 79position · derived458.9Mean mathematics score2022
top 46% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Iceland 458.9 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance42nd of 79position · derived435.9Mean reading score2022
bottom 47% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Iceland 435.9 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance40th of 79position · derived446.93Mean science score2022
top 50% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Iceland 446.93 · world median 446.93
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2012
Primary Completion Rate83rd of 165position · derived97.43Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 49% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Iceland 97.43 · world median 97.43
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment29th of 95position · derived80.16Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
top 30% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Iceland 80.16 · world median 65.76 (better)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate80th of 164position · derived66.44Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 48% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Iceland 66.44 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Health & Wellbeing12
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff51st of 86position · derived98.3Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
bottom 40% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Iceland 98.3 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
No real change since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply13th of 155position · derived3,608Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 8% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Iceland 3,608 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Gender Inequality Index7th of 172rank0.024GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 4% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Iceland 0.024 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Violent Deaths189th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.54Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 9% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Iceland 0.54 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index27th of 172position · derived0.745HCI score (0–1)2020
top 15% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Iceland 0.745 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Human Development Index1st of 193rank0.972HDI score (0–1)2023
top 1% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Iceland 0.972 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth22nd of 222position · derived82.69Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Iceland 82.69 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio185th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst3.02Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 5% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Iceland 3.02 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare173rd of 178position · derived0.02Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 4% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Iceland 0.02 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity95th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst2.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 28% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Iceland 2.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Iceland 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Under-Five Mortality Rate182nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst2.82Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 9% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Iceland 2.82 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital10
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Iceland 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land121st of 121position · derived0.003Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 1% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Iceland 0.003 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person30th of 206position · derived0.314Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 14% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Iceland 0.314 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 17%93.1Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 17% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Iceland 93.1 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Coefficient of Human Inequality168th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst4.986Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 1% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Iceland 4.986 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index61st of 184position · derived0.983Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 33% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Iceland 0.983 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production156th of 179position · derived3,160Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 13% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Iceland 3,160 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Organic Agricultural Area111th of 150position · derived0.16Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 29% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Iceland 0.16 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI41st of 156position · derived0.735PHDI (0–1)2023
top 26% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Iceland 0.735 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector170th of 171position · derived0.108Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 2% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Iceland 0.108 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability7
Agricultural Emissions138th of 193position · derived1,981Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 30% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Iceland 1,981 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area199th of 210position · derived0.529Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 7% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Iceland 0.529 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster126th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst390New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 21% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Iceland 390 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2017
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita1st of 181position · derived445,023Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 1% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Iceland 445,023 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation1st of 190position · derived100Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 2% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Iceland 100 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress167th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.39Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 6% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Iceland 0.39 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index144th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst2.34WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
top 26% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Iceland 2.34 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security4
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Iceland 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index184th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst1.6INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 3% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Iceland 1.6 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Physical Violence Index1st of 176position · derived0.989Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Iceland 0.989 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence23rd of 211position · derived1.206Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 10% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iceland 1.206 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Iceland. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adult Literacy Rate
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2023
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Ecological Footprint
- Economic Complexity Index
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2023
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2019
- Global Militarisation Index
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2022
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2019
- INFORM Severity Index
- Net Official Development Assistance Received
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2019
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2019
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Literacy Rate
07Keep reading
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08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Iceland can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 24 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Iceland on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Iceland: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/iceland