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Photo: Konstantin Papushin · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Jamaica places highest on Adjusted Net Savings (top 2% worldwide) and lowest on Global Violent Deaths (bottom 1%).
Jamaica in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
2,839,786
people
since 1950
Land area
10,830
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
11,358
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
71.48
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.72
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.286
% 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 Jamaica
Key facts about Jamaica
- Capital
- Kingston
- Official languages
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)
- ISO code
- JAM · JM
- Domain · dialling
- .jm · +1876
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 Jamaica’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
25thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
37thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
36thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
53rdof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
56thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
55thof 171
From 4 of 4 key statistics
88thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
97thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
93rdof 176
From 3 of 4 key statistics
joint80thof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
89thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
119thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
130thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
132ndof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
144thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
153rdof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Jamaica’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Jamaica in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Jamaica stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Jamaica 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 Jamaica does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 3rdAdjusted Net Savingstop 2%
Position · derived 3rd of 118 · 30.81 · 2021
world median 8.389 (better) · ▲ 59 pts since 2011
- 4thAcademic Freedom Indextop 2%
Position · derived 4th of 176 · 0.939 · 2025
world median 0.619 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2015
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 68 · 25.19 · 2022
world median 17.81 (better) · ▲ 11 pts since 2012
- 7th
Position · derived 7th of 120 · 98.7 · 2024
world median 65.93 (better) · ▲ 32 pts since 2014
Position · derived 12th of 179 · 37.89 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
Where Jamaica struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 3 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 2%
Position · derived 150th of 150 · 0 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse) · ▼ 5 pts since 2014
- 4thGlobal Violent Deathsbottom 1%
Position · derived 4th of 206 · 1 = worst · 64.47 · 2021
world median 4.02 (worse)
- 10thPrevalence of Severe Food Insecuritybottom 7%
Position · derived 10th of 127 · 1 = worst · 27.8 · 2023
world median 4.7 (worse)
- GDP Growthbottom 5%
Position · derived 176th of 186 · 0.082 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 16 pts since 2015
- Digitally-Deliverable Services Exportsbottom 11%
Position · derived 152nd of 170 · 5.27 · 2024
world median 25.42 (worse) · ▼ 12 pts since 2014
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Jamaica 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
61st
of 141 · 1990
117th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
82nd
of 173 · 2012
73rd
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
45th
of 84 · 1993
88th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 31 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
76th
of 132 · 2022
83rd
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
85th
of 140 · 1995
94th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
92nd
of 172 · 2020
99th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Jamaica has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Unemployment Rate+39 pts since 2015
- Political Violence by Non-State Actors+36 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Jamaica has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Logistics Performance Index-32 pts since 2014
- Agriculture Orientation Index-32 pts since 2014
- Short-Term Share of External Debt-21 pts since 2014
05In context
Jamaica 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
Jamaica has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Caribbean
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- =63
Barbados - 66
Saint Lucia - 72
Dominican Republic - =74
Jamaica - 78
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 80
Antigua and Barbuda - 92
Trinidad and Tobago - 98
Grenada - 120
Cuba - 169
Haiti - —
Anguillanot placed - —
Arubanot placed - —
Bahamasnot placed - —
British Virgin Islandsnot placed - —
Cayman Islandsnot placed - —
Curaçaonot placed - —
Dominicanot placed - —
Montserratnot placed - —
Puerto Riconot placed - —
Saint Kitts and Nevisnot placed - —
Saint Martinnot placed - —
Sint Maartennot placed - —
Turks and Caicos Islandsnot placed - —
United States Virgin Islandsnot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Jamaica
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 & Institutions28
Agriculture Orientation Index89th of 132position · derived0.21Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 31% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Jamaica 0.21 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 40%0.552CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 40% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Jamaica 0.552 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings32nd of 198position · derived83.94Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 16% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Jamaica 83.94 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)93rd of 192rank0.402ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 48% 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)
Jamaica 0.402 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 43%99.1Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 43% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Jamaica 99.1 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption98th of 211position · derived-0.09Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 46% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Jamaica -0.09 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index73rd of 181rank44CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 40% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Jamaica 44 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt13th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst31.85Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
bottom 11% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Jamaica 31.85 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)19th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst76.07External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
bottom 17% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Jamaica 76.07 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
Government AI Readiness Index99th of 195rank40.09AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 49% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Jamaica 40.09 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness93rd of 209position · derived0.189Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 44% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Jamaica 0.189 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student5th of 68position · derived25.19Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 6% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Jamaica 25.19 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2012
Government Spending on Education18th of 123position · derived5.655Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 14% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Jamaica 5.655 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
No real change since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index114th of 196position · derived0.543GTMI score (0–1)2025
bottom 42% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Jamaica 0.543 · world median 0.63 (worse)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index34th of 175position · derived0.88Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 19% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.88 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index32nd of 176position · derived0.679Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 18% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.679 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory78th of 168rank60ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 47% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Jamaica 60 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index131st of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.207Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 26% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Jamaica 0.207 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment79th of 135position · derived12.13Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 42% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Jamaica 12.13 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill57th of 168position · derived9.991Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 34% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Jamaica 9.991 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality94th of 209position · derived0.016Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 45% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Jamaica 0.016 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law102nd of 211position · derived-0.03Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 48% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Jamaica -0.03 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators85th of 188position · derived73.47SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 45% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Jamaica 73.47 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index27th of 176position · derived0.805Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.805 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability64th of 206position · derived0.595Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 31% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Jamaica 0.595 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law129th of 190position · derived74.38WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 32% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Jamaica 74.38 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation21
Adjusted Net Savings3rd of 118position · derived30.81Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 2% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Jamaica 30.81 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▲ +59 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)66th of 158position · derived8.743Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 41% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Jamaica 8.743 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic47th of 103position · derived2,349,405Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 45% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Jamaica 2,349,405 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index70th of 195position · derived111.66Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 36% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Jamaica 111.66 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports152nd of 170position · derived5.27Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 11% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Jamaica 5.27 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index94th of 145rank-0.351ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 35% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Jamaica -0.351 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit48th of 179position · derived47.74Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 26% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Jamaica 47.74 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index68th of 195position · derived113.26Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 35% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Jamaica 113.26 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 41%1.539FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 41% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Jamaica 1.539 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth176th of 186position · derived0.082GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 5% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Jamaica 0.082 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)117th of 185position · derived11,358GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 37% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Jamaica 11,358 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index83rd of 139rank25.23GII score (0–100)2025
bottom 41% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Jamaica 25.23 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2022
ICT Services Exports94th of 118position · derived2.353ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 21% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Jamaica 2.353 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)135th of 158position · derived16.28Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 15% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Jamaica 16.28 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index43rd of 175rank122.9LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 25% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Jamaica 122.9 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index68th of 194position · derived114.88Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 35% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Jamaica 114.88 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index97th of 139rank2.5LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 24% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Jamaica 2.5 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)97th of 132position · derived7.693Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 27% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Jamaica 7.693 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 21%9.24Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 21% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Jamaica 9.24 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)128th of 180position · derived0.458Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 35% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Jamaica 0.458 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index70th of 99rank57.3Trilemma score (0–100)2023
bottom 26% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Jamaica 57.3 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked34th of 182position · derived43.43Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 19% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Jamaica 43.43 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture94th of 182position · derived13.94Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Jamaica 13.94 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry112th of 182position · derived17.13Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Jamaica 17.13 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services64th of 182position · derived68.93Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Jamaica 68.93 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio26th of 182position · derived67.28Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 14% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Jamaica 67.28 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate29th of 182position · derived63.03Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Jamaica 63.03 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager12th of 179position · derived37.89Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 6% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Jamaica 37.89 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed123rd of 168position · derived20,659GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 27% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Jamaica 20,659 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate30th of 182position · derived69.57Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 16% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Jamaica 69.57 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked136th of 182position · derived8.81Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Jamaica 8.81 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate85th of 182position · derived35.75Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Jamaica 35.75 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate133rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.286Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Jamaica 3.286 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment85th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst31.56Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Jamaica 31.56 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 33%0.77Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 33% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Jamaica 0.77 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate103rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst10.81Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Jamaica 10.81 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge16
Academic Freedom Index4th of 176position · derived0.939Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 2% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.939 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate121st of 172position · derived79.92Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 30% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Jamaica 79.92 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling131st of 195position · derived12.38Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 33% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Jamaica 12.38 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 19%49.12Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 19% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Jamaica 49.12 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores117th of 172position · derived387.13Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 32% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Jamaica 387.13 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Learning-Adjusted Years of School104th of 172position · derived7.058Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 40% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Jamaica 7.058 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling96th of 193position · derived9.96Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 49% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Jamaica 9.96 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary58th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst4.341Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
bottom 48% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Jamaica 4.341 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2014
PISA Mathematics Performance65th of 79position · derived377.42Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 18% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Jamaica 377.42 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
PISA Reading Performance52nd of 79position · derived409.63Mean reading score2022
bottom 35% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Jamaica 409.63 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
PISA Science Performance62nd of 79position · derived402.93Mean science score2022
bottom 22% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Jamaica 402.93 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate7th of 120position · derived98.7Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 5% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Jamaica 98.7 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +32 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate49th of 165position · derived99.37Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 29% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Jamaica 99.37 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Secondary School Enrolment82nd of 109position · derived84.46Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
bottom 25% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Jamaica 84.46 · world median 93.19 (worse)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Completion Rate25th of 164position · derived92Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 15% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Jamaica 92 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 33%93.5715–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 33% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Jamaica 93.57 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing19
Children with Functional Difficultiesbottom 16%6.9Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
bottom 16% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Jamaica 6.9 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply86th of 155position · derived2,919Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 45% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Jamaica 2,919 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months91st of 136position · derived32.99Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
bottom 33% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Jamaica 32.99 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index88th of 172rank0.358GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 49% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Jamaica 0.358 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index79th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.011MPI (0–1)2025
top 28% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Jamaica 0.011 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
No real change since 2018
Global Violent Deaths4th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst64.47Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 1% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Jamaica 64.47 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index96th of 172position · derived0.535HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 44% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Jamaica 0.535 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2017
Human Development Index117th of 193rank0.72HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 39% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Jamaica 0.72 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate79th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst16.39Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 39% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Jamaica 16.39 · world median 12.26 (worse)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
INFORM Severity Index58th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst2.5INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 28% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Jamaica 2.5 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
No earlier reading to compare
Life Expectancy at Age 65157th of 222position · derived14.51Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 29% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Jamaica 14.51 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth145th of 222position · derived71.48Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Jamaica 71.48 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio56th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst130.14Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 28% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Jamaica 130.14 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare34th of 178position · derived8.47Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 18% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Jamaica 8.47 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity10th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst27.8Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 7% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Jamaica 27.8 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment63rd of 104position · derived · 1 = worst7.7Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 38% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Jamaica 7.7 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five137th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst4.641Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 16% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Jamaica 4.641 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate82nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst17.79Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 41% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Jamaica 17.79 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children44th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst76Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 48% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Jamaica 76 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital8
Access to Electricitybottom 33%97.7Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 33% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Jamaica 97.7 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield154th of 179position · derived1,140Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 14% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Jamaica 1,140 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage44th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst26.9Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 30% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Jamaica 26.9 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality85th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst17.05Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 50% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Jamaica 17.05 · world median 17.05
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index48th of 184position · derived1.013Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 26% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Jamaica 1.013 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index97th of 169position · derived0.59IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 43% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Jamaica 0.59 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received104th of 130position · derived0.409Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 20% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Jamaica 0.409 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI73rd of 156position · derived0.686PHDI (0–1)2023
top 47% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Jamaica 0.686 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions150th of 193position · derived840.84Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 24% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Jamaica 840.84 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land40th of 121position · derived7.287Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 33% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Jamaica 7.287 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land102nd of 209position · derived38.5Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 49% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Jamaica 38.5 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person155th of 206position · derived0.042Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 25% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Jamaica 0.042 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity64th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst562.4Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 33% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Jamaica 562.4 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)100th of 190rank0.451ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 48% 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)
Jamaica 0.451 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita111th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst2.959Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 47% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Jamaica 2.959 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Ecological Footprint70th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst1.948Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 45% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Jamaica 1.948 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 27%3.838Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 27% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Jamaica 3.838 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
No real change since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare112th of 188position · derived59.19Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 42% 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)
Jamaica 59.19 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area36th of 210position · derived56.19Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 17% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Jamaica 56.19 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster100th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,800New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 37% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Jamaica 1,800 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2016
Land Under Cereal Production160th of 179position · derived2,009Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 11% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Jamaica 2,009 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density58th of 188position · derived0.85Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 31% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Jamaica 0.85 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation146th of 190position · derived12.6Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 24% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Jamaica 12.6 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index92nd of 190rank47.53ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 48% 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)
Jamaica 47.53 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area150th of 150position · derived0Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 2% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Jamaica 0 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita72nd of 181position · derived3,812Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 39% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Jamaica 3,812 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation141st of 190position · derived12.6Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 27% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Jamaica 12.6 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress80th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst12.38Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 45% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Jamaica 12.38 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector132nd of 171position · derived17.06Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 24% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Jamaica 17.06 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 41%8.943Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 41% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Jamaica 8.943 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index99th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst3.97WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
top 49% 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)
Jamaica 3.97 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 24%103.9Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Jamaica 103.9 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index98th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst18.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 30% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Jamaica 18.4 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index12th of 176position · derived0.929Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.929 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index25th of 176position · derived0.694Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.694 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index31st of 176position · derived0.658Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.658 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index18th of 176position · derived0.919Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.919 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media21st of 176position · derived2.161Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 11% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Jamaica 2.161 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns53rd of 176position · derived1.67Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 30% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Jamaica 1.67 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
No real change 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)
Jamaica 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index33rd of 176position · derived0.524Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 18% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Jamaica 0.524 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index81st of 176position · derived0.812Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 46% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Jamaica 0.812 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -6 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)
Jamaica 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index121st of 149rank · 1 = worst66.27GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 19% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Jamaica 66.27 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index90th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.8INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 48% 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)
Jamaica 3.8 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence81st of 211position · derived0.543Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 38% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Jamaica 0.543 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors135th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-1.717Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 21% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Jamaica -1.717 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +36 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 43%2,642Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 43% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Jamaica 2,642 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs33rd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst10.03Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 18% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Jamaica 10.03 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 11%99.3Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 11% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Jamaica 99.3 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances37th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst3.593Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
bottom 39% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Jamaica 3.593 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratebottom 17%-3.522Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
bottom 17% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Jamaica -3.522 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 9%8.2Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 9% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Jamaica 8.2 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debtbottom 26%16.17Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
bottom 26% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Jamaica 16.17 · world median 9.376 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
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)
Jamaica 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)
Jamaica 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 49%42.67Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 49% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Jamaica 42.67 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 49%49.23Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 49% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Jamaica 49.23 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 49%32.94Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 49% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Jamaica 32.94 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 39%11.62Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Jamaica 11.62 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratetop 39%8.076Deaths per 1,000 population2023
top 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Jamaica 8.076 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 49%31.67Median age (years)2023
top 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Jamaica 31.67 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 47%7.862Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 47% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Jamaica 7.862 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitytop 22%262.21People per square kilometre of land2023
top 22% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Jamaica 262.21 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 22%0.003Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 22% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Jamaica 0.003 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 39%19.13Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Jamaica 19.13 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 44%97.89Males per 100 females2023
bottom 44% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Jamaica 97.89 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 4%36.98People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Jamaica 36.98 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 14%1.358Live births per woman2023
bottom 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Jamaica 1.358 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Jamaica. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution · last seen 2021
- Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylum · last seen 2022
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2014
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2021
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)
- Gross Savings (% of GDP)
- Household Consumption
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2000
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2021
- Informal Employment Rate
- Learning Poverty
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2021
- Mobile Phone Ownership
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2015
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2021
- 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
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- Refugee Population by Country of Asylum · last seen 2022
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2002
- Researchers per Million Inhabitants
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2015
- Smartphone Ownership
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2021
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2015
- Trade (% of GDP)
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2023
07Keep reading
Explore further
More countries
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Jamaica 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: 37 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Jamaica on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Jamaica: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/jamaica