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Photo: tiimta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Australia
Australia places highest on Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on CO₂ Emissions per Capita (bottom 5%).
Australia in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
26,451,124
people
since 1950
Land area
7,688,287
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
60,194
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
83.92
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.958
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
4.09
% 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 Australia
Australia is a country covering the whole of the Australian continent, together with Tasmania and many smaller islands, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Much of its interior, often called the Outback, is dry desert and grassland, while the Great Dividing Range runs along the east, and most people live in cities near the coast. Climates range from tropical in the north to temperate in the south-east and south-west. Canberra is the capital, and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are major cities. English is the main language, and many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are also spoken.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived in Australia for tens of thousands of years, making theirs among the oldest continuous cultures in the world. British colonisation began in 1788, and the separate colonies joined together as a federation in 1901. Australia is known for its distinctive wildlife, such as kangaroos and koalas, for the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and for its beaches and sporting culture. Its economy relies on mining, agriculture, education, tourism and services.
Key facts about Australia
- Capital
- Canberra
- Official languages
- Auslan, Australian English, English
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- ISO code
- AUS · AU
- Domain · dialling
- .au · +61
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 Australia’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
joint4thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
7thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
8thof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
11thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
20thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
24thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
23rdof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
27thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
37thof 200
From 3 of 4 key statistics
39thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
38thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
51stof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
64thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
77thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
66thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
joint127thof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Australia’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Australia in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Australia stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Australia 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 Australia does best24
In the top third of all countries measured. 24 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 175 · 0.988 · 2025
world median 0.676 (better)
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 2nd
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 195 · 20.65 · 2023
world median 13.34 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 109 · 131.93 · 2024
world median 93.19 (better) · ▼ 2 pts since 2015
- 5th
Position · derived 87th of 91 · 1 = worst · 34.83 · 2023
world median 91.81 (better)
- 5thGovTech Maturity Indextop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 196 · 0.985 · 2025
world median 0.63 (better) · ▲ 20 pts since 2022
- 5thMaternal Mortality Ratiotop 2%
Position · derived 191st of 195 · 1 = worst · 2.33 · 2023
world median 46.65 (better) · ▲ 9 pts since 2013
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 176 · 0.648 · 2025
world median 0.298 (better) · ▲ 14 pts since 2015
- 5th
- 6th
Position · derived 116th of 121 · 1 = worst · 0.124 · 2024
world median 3.691 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2014
- 7th
Rank 7th of 190 · 0.3 · 2024
world median 0.45 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
- 7th
- 7th
Position · derived 7th of 75 · 31.63 · 2024
world median 5.494 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2015
- 7thTertiary Enrolment Ratiotop 6%
Position · derived 7th of 95 · 108.42 · 2024
world median 52.77 (better) · ▼ 6 pts since 2015
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 222 · 21.65 · 2023
world median 16.39 (better)
- 9th
Rank 9th of 195 · 75.73 · 2025
world median 40.19 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2020
- 9thCrop Production Indextop 4%
Position · derived 9th of 195 · 146.08 · 2022
world median 106.23 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2012
- 9thGNI per Capita (PPP)top 8%
Position · derived 9th of 102 · 58,319 · 2025
world median 14,273 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2015
- 9thLife Expectancy at Birthtop 4%
Position · derived 9th of 222 · 83.92 · 2023
world median 74.63 (better)
- 10thControl of Corruptiontop 4%
Position · derived 10th of 211 · 1.838 · 2025
world median -0.197 (better)
- 10th
- 10thPISA Science Performancetop 12%
Position · derived 10th of 79 · 507 · 2022
world median 446.93 (better) · ▲ 10 pts since 2012
Where Australia struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured.
- CO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 5%
Position · derived 11th of 210 · 1 = worst · 14.48 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse)
- Livestock Production Indexbottom 7%
Position · derived 180th of 194 · 87.48 · 2022
world median 107.06 (worse) · ▼ 7 pts since 2012
- World Risk Indexbottom 11%
Position · derived 23rd of 193 · 1 = worst · 21.9 · 2025
world median 4.17 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2015
- GDP Growthbottom 20%
Position · derived 149th of 186 · 1.35 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 19 pts since 2015
- Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 20%
Not ranked by the publisher · 4.327 · 2024
world median 2.738 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Australia 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
2nd
of 141 · 1990
7th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
7th
of 173 · 2012
12th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
11th
of 79 · 1990
20th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
25th
of 132 · 2022
22nd
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
33rd
of 140 · 1995
73rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
12th
of 172 · 2020
9th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Australia has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate+40 pts since 2014
- Carbon Intensity of Electricity+29 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Australia has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-42 pts since 2014
- Government Internet Shutdowns-38 pts since 2015
05In context
Australia and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Australia has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Australia and New Zealand
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- =17
New Zealand - 24Australia
06Places
Landmarks of Australia
Sydney Opera House
Performing arts centre on Sydney Harbour designed by Jørn Utzon, opened in 1973.
Photo: Roybb95~commonswiki · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Uluru
Large sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory, sacred to the Anangu people.
Photo: Thomas Schoch · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour, opened in 1932.
Photo: Photograph by Greg O'Beirne · CC BY 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Twelve Apostles
Limestone stacks off the coast of Port Campbell National Park, Victoria.
Photo: Leonard Koh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Wineglass Bay
Curved bay on the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania.
Photo: gekko · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Australia
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 & Institutions27
Agriculture Orientation Index64th of 132position · derived0.33Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
top 48% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Australia 0.33 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 8%0.354CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 8% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Australia 0.354 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings40th of 198position · derived80.48Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 20% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Australia 80.48 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)16th of 192rank0.658ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 8% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Australia 0.658 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
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 (%)
Australia 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption10th of 211position · derived1.838Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 4% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Australia 1.838 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index12th of 181rank76CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 7% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Australia 76 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
General Government Consumption17th of 132position · derived23.15General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 12% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Australia 23.15 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index9th of 195rank75.73AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 4% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Australia 75.73 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness11th of 209position · derived1.751Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 5% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Australia 1.751 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student29th of 68position · derived18.96Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 42% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Australia 18.96 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
No earlier reading to compare
GovTech Maturity Index5th of 196position · derived0.985GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 2% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Australia 0.985 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index1st of 175position · derived0.988Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 1% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Australia 0.988 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
No real change since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index12th of 176position · derived0.793Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Australia 0.793 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory22nd of 168rank77ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 14% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Australia 77 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2016
Political Corruption Index164th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.029Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Australia 0.029 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Employment51st of 135position · derived20.01Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
top 37% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Australia 20.01 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill86th of 168position · derived7.967Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 49% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Australia 7.967 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality5th of 209position · derived1.669Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 2% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Australia 1.669 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law20th of 211position · derived1.459Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 9% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Australia 1.459 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators23rd of 188position · derived88.97SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 12% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Australia 88.97 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density79th of 139position · derived13.66Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 43% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Australia 13.66 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index15th of 176position · derived0.844Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Australia 0.844 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability15th of 206position · derived1.418Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 7% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Australia 1.418 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law21st of 190position · derived96.88WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 12% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Australia 96.88 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation31
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution21st of 139position · derived98.01Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 14% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Australia 98.01 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings69th of 118position · derived6.418Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
bottom 42% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Australia 6.418 · world median 8.389 (worse)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)125th of 158position · derived2.267Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 21% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Australia 2.267 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic22nd of 103position · derived9,579,396Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 21% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Australia 9,579,396 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index9th of 195position · derived146.08Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 4% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Australia 146.08 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports75th of 170position · derived29.33Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 44% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Australia 29.33 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index73rd of 145rank0.131ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 50% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Australia 0.131 · world median 0.131
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)99th of 138position · derived23.24Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 28% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Australia 23.24 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit16th of 179position · derived63.01Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 8% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Australia 63.01 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index72nd of 195position · derived112.1Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 37% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Australia 112.1 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 48%1.882FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 48% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Australia 1.882 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
No real change since 2015
GDP Growth149th of 186position · derived1.35GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 20% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Australia 1.35 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)23rd of 185position · derived60,194GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 12% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Australia 60,194 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index22nd of 139rank48.01GII score (0–100)2025
top 15% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Australia 48.01 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)9th of 102position · derived58,319GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 8% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Australia 58,319 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)52nd of 131position · derived24.46Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 39% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Australia 24.46 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)69th of 146position · derived22.92Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 47% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Australia 22.92 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption103rd of 131position · derived51.85Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 22% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Australia 51.85 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports58th of 119position · derived1.01ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 48% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Australia 1.01 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
ICT Services Exports93rd of 118position · derived2.421ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 21% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Australia 2.421 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)115th of 138position · derived22.66Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 17% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Australia 22.66 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)89th of 158position · derived23.89Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 44% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Australia 23.89 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index36th of 175rank145.12LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 21% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Australia 145.12 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index180th of 194position · derived87.48Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 7% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Australia 87.48 · 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)
Australia 3.7 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)113th of 132position · derived5.317Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 15% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Australia 5.317 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Researchers per Million Inhabitants27th of 145position · derived4,569Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 18% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Australia 4,569 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 6%0.99Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 6% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Australia 0.99 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)35th of 180position · derived13.36Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 17% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Australia 13.36 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)113th of 138position · derived45.9Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 18% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Australia 45.9 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index22nd of 99rank75.7Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 22% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Australia 75.7 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour18
Average Weekly Hours Worked160th of 182position · derived31.29Average 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
Australia 31.29 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Agriculture152nd of 182position · derived2.176Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Australia 2.176 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry85th of 182position · derived19.29Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Australia 19.29 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services25th of 182position · derived78.53Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Australia 78.53 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio42nd of 182position · derived63.82Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Australia 63.82 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 35%1.416Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
top 35% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Australia 1.416 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Female Labour Force Participation Rate32nd of 182position · derived62.51Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Australia 62.51 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management25th of 86position · derived39.39Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
top 28% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Australia 39.39 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager81st of 179position · derived20.54Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 45% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Australia 20.54 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed24th of 168position · derived114,582GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 14% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Australia 114,582 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate49th of 182position · derived66.54Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Australia 66.54 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked19th of 182position · derived71.81Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Australia 71.81 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate135th of 182position · derived16.1Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 26% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Australia 16.1 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate114th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst4.09Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Australia 4.09 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment151st of 182position · derived · 1 = worst9.125Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Australia 9.125 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training78th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst8.53Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
top 20% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Australia 8.53 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate114th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst9.61Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Australia 9.61 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge19
Academic Freedom Index29th of 176position · derived0.864Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Australia 0.864 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Expected Years of Schooling3rd of 195position · derived20.65Expected years of schooling2023
top 1% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Australia 20.65 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Harmonized Test Scores20th of 172position · derived515.69Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 11% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Australia 515.69 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2010
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary7th of 75position · derived31.63Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
top 8% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
Australia 31.63 · world median 5.494 (better)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Learning Poverty98th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst9.06410-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 22% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Australia 9.064 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School19th of 172position · derived11.22Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 11% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Australia 11.22 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling21st of 193position · derived12.87Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 10% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Australia 12.87 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary116th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst0.124Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 4% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Australia 0.124 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 4%0.779Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 4% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
Australia 0.779 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2015
PISA Mathematics Performance17th of 79position · derived487.08Mean mathematics score2022
top 21% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Australia 487.08 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance12th of 79position · derived498.05Mean reading score2022
top 14% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Australia 498.05 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance10th of 79position · derived507Mean science score2022
top 12% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Australia 507 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate35th of 120position · derived85.8Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 29% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Australia 85.8 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +40 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate40th of 165position · derived99.51Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 24% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Australia 99.51 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
School Life Expectancy2nd of 77position · derived20.63School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 1% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
Australia 20.63 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Secondary School Enrolment4th of 109position · derived131.93Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 3% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Australia 131.93 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio7th of 95position · derived108.42Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 6% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Australia 108.42 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment30th of 95position · derived78.96Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
top 31% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Australia 78.96 · world median 65.76 (better)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
No real change since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate33rd of 164position · derived89.14Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 20% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Australia 89.14 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Health & Wellbeing14
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff43rd of 86position · derived98.8Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
bottom 49% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Australia 98.8 · world median 98.8
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
No real change since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply19th of 155position · derived3,540Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 12% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Australia 3,540 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Gender Inequality Index20th of 172rank0.056GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 11% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Australia 0.056 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths172nd of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.92Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 18% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Australia 0.92 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index16th of 172position · derived0.77HCI score (0–1)2020
top 9% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Australia 0.77 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index7th of 193rank0.958HDI score (0–1)2023
top 3% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Australia 0.958 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate174th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst3.09Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 13% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Australia 3.09 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 658th of 222position · derived21.65Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Australia 21.65 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth9th of 222position · derived83.92Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Australia 83.92 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio191st of 195position · derived · 1 = worst2.33Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 2% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Australia 2.33 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity73rd of 127position · derived · 1 = worst3.7Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 45% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Australia 3.7 · 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 (%)
Australia 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 Five152nd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst1.876Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 6% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Australia 1.876 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate176th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst3.607Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 12% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Australia 3.607 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital6
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Australia 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield96th of 179position · derived2,691Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 47% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Australia 2,691 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Coefficient of Human Inequality137th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.585Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 19% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Australia 8.585 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index71st of 184position · derived0.977Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 39% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Australia 0.977 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index12th of 169position · derived0.873IHDI (0–1)2023
top 7% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Australia 0.873 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI66th of 156position · derived0.7PHDI (0–1)2023
top 42% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Australia 0.7 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions7th of 193position · derived226,906Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 3% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Australia 226,906 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land98th of 121position · derived0.535Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 19% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Australia 0.535 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land69th of 209position · derived47.22Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 33% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Australia 47.22 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Arable Land per Person2nd of 206position · derived1.162Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 1% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Australia 1.162 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity70th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst553.96Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 36% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Australia 553.96 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)7th of 190rank0.3ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 3% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Australia 0.3 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita11th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst14.48Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 5% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Australia 14.48 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 20%4.327Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 20% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Australia 4.327 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
No real change since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare82nd of 188position · derived102.69Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 43% 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)
Australia 102.69 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area137th of 210position · derived17.42Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 36% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Australia 17.42 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster52nd of 160position · derived · 1 = worst32,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 32% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Australia 32,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production10th of 179position · derived16,024,469Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 5% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Australia 16,024,469 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density176th of 188position · derived0.1Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 6% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Australia 0.1 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation99th of 190position · derived35.08Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 49% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Australia 35.08 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index10th of 190rank67.92ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 5% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Australia 67.92 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area14th of 150position · derived14.58Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 8% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Australia 14.58 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita32nd of 181position · derived18,909Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 17% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Australia 18,909 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation87th of 190position · derived35.08Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 45% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Australia 35.08 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress124th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst4.22Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 30% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Australia 4.22 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector80th of 171position · derived66.89Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 46% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Australia 66.89 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 10%29.45Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 10% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Australia 29.45 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
No real change since 2014
World Risk Index23rd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst21.9WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 11% 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)
Australia 21.9 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality4
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 36%105.6Male births per 100 female births2023
top 36% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Australia 105.6 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index109th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst15.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 22% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Australia 15.4 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index25th of 176position · derived0.906Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Australia 0.906 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index12th of 176position · derived0.771Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Australia 0.771 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index16th of 176position · derived0.726Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Australia 0.726 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index22nd of 176position · derived0.915Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 12% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Australia 0.915 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media18th of 176position · derived2.216Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Australia 2.216 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
No real change since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns77th of 176position · derived1.17Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 43% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Australia 1.17 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Australia 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index5th of 176position · derived0.648Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 2% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Australia 0.648 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index27th of 176position · derived0.954Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Australia 0.954 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
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)
Australia 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index58th of 149rank · 1 = worst115.92GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 39% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Australia 115.92 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index157th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.4INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 18% 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)
Australia 2.4 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence64th of 211position · derived0.781Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 30% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Australia 0.781 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
No real change since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors102nd of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-0.946Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 41% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Australia -0.946 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 18%41Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 18% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Australia 41 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 10%82,925Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 10% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Australia 82,925 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 41%33,415Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 41% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Australia 33,415 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade3
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs80th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst5.063Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 45% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Australia 5.063 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 2%-241.6Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
bottom 2% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Australia -241.6 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Net Migration Ratetop 15%5.302Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Australia 5.302 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 44%0Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 44% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Australia 0 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Australia 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 7%219.98Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 7% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Australia 219.98 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 22%70.03Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 22% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Australia 70.03 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 15%67.98Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 15% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Australia 67.98 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership36th of 140position · derived95.49Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 25% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Australia 95.49 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership17th of 140position · derived90.33Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 12% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Australia 90.33 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 38%11.51Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Australia 11.51 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 42%6.953Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 42% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Australia 6.953 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 31%37.75Median age (years)2023
top 31% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Australia 37.75 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 22%17.38Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 22% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Australia 17.38 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 1%3.443People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Australia 3.443 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 48%0.985Population growth (% per year)2023
top 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Australia 0.985 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 33%18.03Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 33% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Australia 18.03 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 50%98.47Males per 100 females2023
bottom 50% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Australia 98.47 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 50%54.83People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 50% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Australia 54.83 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 38%1.638Live births per woman2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Australia 1.638 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Australia. 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
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Ecological Footprint
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Researchers
- Gini Index · last seen 2020
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2022
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2020
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2020
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2020
- Net Official Development Assistance Received
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2020
- Pesticide Use per Hectare · last seen 2017
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2020
- Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2020
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2020
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2020
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2021
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2020
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Literacy Rate
08Keep reading
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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 Australia 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: 34 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 Australia 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). Australia: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/australia