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Photo: © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
United Kingdom
United Kingdom places highest on Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on GDP Growth (bottom 21%).
United Kingdom in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
68,682,962
people
since 1950
Land area
241,930
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
53,993
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
81.3
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.946
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
4.746
% 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 United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an island country off the north-west coast of mainland Europe, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It covers the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Its landscapes range from the Scottish Highlands and the mountains of Wales to the rolling lowlands of southern England, and its climate is temperate and maritime, mild and often wet. London is the capital, and Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are major cities. English is the main language, and Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and other languages are also spoken.
The union of England and Scotland in 1707 created the Kingdom of Great Britain, and Ireland joined in 1801. Britain was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and built a global empire, most of which became independent during the twentieth century. It is a constitutional monarchy with a long parliamentary tradition. The country is known for its literature, theatre, music and universities, and for heritage sites such as Stonehenge. Finance, services, education, creative industries and advanced manufacturing are central to its economy.
Key facts about United Kingdom
- Capital
- London
- Official languages
- British Sign Language, Cornish, English +5 more
- Currency
- pound sterling (GBP)
- ISO code
- GBR · GB
- Domain · dialling
- .uk · +44
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 United Kingdom’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
joint6thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint9thof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
16thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
13thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint16thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint18thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
33rdof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
46thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint48thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint59thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
79thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
69thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for United Kingdom’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for United Kingdom in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where United Kingdom stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom does best11
In the top third of all countries measured. 11 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stChild Marriagetop 1%
Position · derived 143rd of 143 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 17.1 (better)
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 156 · 0.827 · 2023
world median 0.678 (better)
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 3rd
- 3rd
Position · derived 89th of 91 · 1 = worst · 29.6 · 2023
world median 91.81 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 139 · 99.28 · 2024
world median 72.83 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
- 6th
- 8th
- 9th
- 9thMean Years of Schoolingtop 4%
Position · derived 9th of 193 · 13.49 · 2023
world median 9.933 (better)
Where United Kingdom struggles most3
In the bottom third of all countries measured.
- GDP Growthbottom 21%
Position · derived 148th of 186 · 1.388 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 18 pts since 2015
- Crop Production Indexbottom 21%
Position · derived 154th of 195 · 94.33 · 2022
world median 106.23 (worse) · ▼ 5 pts since 2012
- Firms with a Female Top Managerbottom 26%
Position · derived 132nd of 179 · 12.3 · 2025
world median 19.16 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so United Kingdom 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
16th
of 141 · 1990
13th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
17th
of 173 · 2012
20th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
20th
of 79 · 1990
31st
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
4th
of 132 · 2022
6th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
7th
of 140 · 1995
12th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
2nd
of 172 · 2020
3rd
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where United Kingdom has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Agriculture Orientation Index+23 pts since 2014
- PISA Mathematics Performance+21 pts since 2012
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management+19 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where United Kingdom has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-18 pts since 2014
- Logistics Performance Index-13 pts since 2014
05In context
United Kingdom 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
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 - 9
Iceland - 10
Finland - 17United Kingdom
- 19
Lithuania - 22
Estonia - 27
Latvia - —Channel Islandsnot placed
- —
Faroe Islandsnot placed - —
Isle of Mannot placed
06Places
Landmarks of United Kingdom
Stonehenge
Prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.
Photo: Stefan Kühn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Tower Bridge
Combined bascule and suspension bridge across the River Thames in London, opened in 1894.
Photo: Barcex · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Edinburgh Castle
Historic fortress on Castle Rock overlooking the city of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Photo: Stephencdickson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Giant's Causeway
Coastal area of interlocking basalt columns in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Photo: Lindy Buckley from Nanjing, China · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Elizabeth Tower
Clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, housing the bell Big Ben.
Photo: Christian David · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for United Kingdom
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 & Institutions18
Agriculture Orientation Index17th of 132position · derived0.99Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
top 12% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
United Kingdom 0.99 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2014
Civic Space Ratings84th of 198position · derived59.5Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 42% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
United Kingdom 59.5 · 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 (%)
United Kingdom 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index20th of 181rank70CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
United Kingdom 70 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption29th of 132position · derived21.23General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 21% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 21.23 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index3rd of 195rank77.75AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 1% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
United Kingdom 77.75 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness31st of 209position · derived1.185Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
top 14% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
United Kingdom 1.185 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Open Data Inventory47th of 168rank70ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 28% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
United Kingdom 70 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2016
Public Sector Employment20th of 135position · derived28.87Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
top 14% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 28.87 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill60th of 168position · derived9.7Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 35% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 9.7 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality14th of 209position · derived1.511Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 6% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Kingdom 1.511 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law25th of 211position · derived1.27Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 11% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Kingdom 1.27 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators26th of 188position · derived88.38SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 13% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
United Kingdom 88.38 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density47th of 139position · derived23.36Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 33% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
United Kingdom 23.36 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index37th of 176position · derived0.772Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.772 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability19th of 208position · derived1.301Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 9% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Kingdom 1.301 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law15th of 190position · derived97.5WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 9% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
United Kingdom 97.5 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation29
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution4th of 139position · derived99.28Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 2% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
United Kingdom 99.28 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Land20th of 209position · derived70.31Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 9% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
United Kingdom 70.31 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)151st of 158position · derived0.64Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 4% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 0.64 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield15th of 179position · derived7,138Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 8% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
United Kingdom 7,138 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Container Port Traffic21st of 103position · derived9,621,469Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 20% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
United Kingdom 9,621,469 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index154th of 195position · derived94.33Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 21% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Kingdom 94.33 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index12th of 145rank1.246ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 8% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
United Kingdom 1.246 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)84th of 138position · derived30.6Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 39% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 30.6 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare43rd of 188position · derived191.44Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 22% 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)
United Kingdom 191.44 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index125th of 195position · derived101.24Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 36% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Kingdom 101.24 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth148th of 186position · derived1.388GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 21% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
United Kingdom 1.388 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)29th of 185position · derived53,993GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 15% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
United Kingdom 53,993 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index6th of 139rank59.12GII score (0–100)2025
top 4% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
United Kingdom 59.12 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)95th of 131position · derived19.69Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
bottom 28% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 19.69 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)106th of 146position · derived16.76Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 28% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 16.76 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption69th of 131position · derived60.44Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 48% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 60.44 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
No real change since 2015
ICT Goods Exports34th of 119position · derived3.43ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 29% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
United Kingdom 3.43 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)92nd of 138position · derived31.86Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 34% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 31.86 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)133rd of 158position · derived16.49Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 16% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 16.49 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index13th of 169position · derived0.869IHDI (0–1)2023
top 7% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.869 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index9th of 175rank387.63LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 5% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
United Kingdom 387.63 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Density56th of 188position · derived0.89Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 29% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
United Kingdom 0.89 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index105th of 194position · derived105.24Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 46% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Kingdom 105.24 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index19th of 139rank3.7LPI score (1–5)2023
top 15% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
United Kingdom 3.7 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)98th of 132position · derived7.678Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 26% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 7.678 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Research and Development Spending13th of 84position · derived2.676Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 14% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 2.676 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)123rd of 180position · derived0.589Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 38% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 0.589 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)89th of 138position · derived62.46Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 36% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
United Kingdom 62.46 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index8th of 99rank80Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 7% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
United Kingdom 80 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour18
Average Weekly Hours Worked161st of 182position · derived31.17Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
United Kingdom 31.17 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture176th of 182position · derived0.851Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 0.851 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry132nd of 182position · derived15.91Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 15.91 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services12th of 182position · derived83.23Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 83.23 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio86th of 182position · derived58.46Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
United Kingdom 58.46 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate62nd of 182position · derived57.33Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
United Kingdom 57.33 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management20th of 86position · derived40.9Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
top 22% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
United Kingdom 40.9 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager132nd of 179position · derived12.3Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 26% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
United Kingdom 12.3 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed27th of 168position · derived111,234GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 16% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
United Kingdom 111,234 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate59th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst19.81Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 40% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 19.81 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate94th of 182position · derived61.37Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
United Kingdom 61.37 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked25th of 182position · derived67.3Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
United Kingdom 67.3 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate149th of 182position · derived13.15Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 13.15 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate103rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst4.746Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
United Kingdom 4.746 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Vulnerable Employment138th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst11.53Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
United Kingdom 11.53 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training50th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst14.3Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
top 49% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
United Kingdom 14.3 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate76th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst14.65Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
United Kingdom 14.65 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge7
Expected Years of Schooling18th of 195position · derived17.81Expected years of schooling2023
top 9% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
United Kingdom 17.81 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling9th of 193position · derived13.49Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 4% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
United Kingdom 13.49 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance14th of 79position · derived488.98Mean mathematics score2022
top 17% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
United Kingdom 488.98 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance13th of 79position · derived494.4Mean reading score2022
top 15% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
United Kingdom 494.4 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance15th of 79position · derived499.67Mean science score2022
top 18% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
United Kingdom 499.67 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2012
Primary Completion Rate14th of 165position · derived99.88Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 8% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
United Kingdom 99.88 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate29th of 164position · derived90.29Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 17% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
United Kingdom 90.29 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Health & Wellbeing11
Dietary Energy Supply31st of 155position · derived3,430Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 19% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
United Kingdom 3,430 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Gender Inequality Index31st of 172rank0.083GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 18% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
United Kingdom 0.083 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Human Capital Index11th of 172position · derived0.783HCI score (0–1)2020
top 6% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.783 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index13th of 193rank0.946HDI score (0–1)2023
top 7% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.946 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth41st of 222position · derived81.3Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 18% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
United Kingdom 81.3 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio153rd of 195position · derived · 1 = worst8.31Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 22% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
United Kingdom 8.31 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare74th of 178position · derived2.75Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 41% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
United Kingdom 2.75 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity81st of 127position · derived · 1 = worst3.3Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 39% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
United Kingdom 3.3 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change 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 (%)
United Kingdom 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five150th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst1.956Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 7% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
United Kingdom 1.956 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate164th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst4.68Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 18% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
United Kingdom 4.68 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital11
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
United Kingdom 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land104th of 121position · derived0.414Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 14% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
United Kingdom 0.414 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person119th of 206position · derived0.088Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 42% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
United Kingdom 0.088 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 33%23.8Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
bottom 33% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
United Kingdom 23.8 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Child Marriage143rd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst0Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
top 1% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
United Kingdom 0 · world median 17.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality146th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst7.907Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 14% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
United Kingdom 7.907 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index66th of 184position · derived0.979Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 36% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
United Kingdom 0.979 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production43rd of 179position · derived3,088,787Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 23% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
United Kingdom 3,088,787 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area48th of 150position · derived2.87Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 30% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
United Kingdom 2.87 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI1st of 156position · derived0.827PHDI (0–1)2023
top 1% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.827 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector136th of 171position · derived14.05Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 22% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
United Kingdom 14.05 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions21st of 193position · derived81,626Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 10% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
United Kingdom 81,626 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Ecological Footprint45th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst3.409Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 35% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
United Kingdom 3.409 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area148th of 210position · derived13.29Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 31% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
United Kingdom 13.29 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster105th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,500New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 34% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
United Kingdom 1,500 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita103rd of 181position · derived2,144Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 43% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
United Kingdom 2,144 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation65th of 190position · derived50.65Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 33% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
United Kingdom 50.65 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress73rd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst14.35Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 41% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
United Kingdom 14.35 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index76th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst6.14WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 39% 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)
United Kingdom 6.14 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Social Institutions and Gender Index126th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst12SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 10% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
United Kingdom 12 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
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)
United Kingdom 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index72nd of 149rank · 1 = worst106.04GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 48% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
United Kingdom 106.04 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index165th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.1INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 12% 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)
United Kingdom 2.1 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index53rd of 176position · derived0.897Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 30% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
United Kingdom 0.897 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence96th of 211position · derived0.258Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 45% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Kingdom 0.258 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include United Kingdom. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2018
- Adult Literacy Rate
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 1998
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2018
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Global Violent Deaths
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2021
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2021
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- 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 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2015
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2021
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Literacy Rate
08Keep reading
Explore further
09Method
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 United Kingdom 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: 27 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
All 6 photographs of United Kingdom on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). United Kingdom: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/united-kingdom