Photo: Karora derivative work: Inkey · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
New Zealand
New Zealand places highest on Gender Social Norms Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs (bottom 1%).
New Zealand in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
5,172,836
people
since 1950
Land area
263,310
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
48,233
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
82.09
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.938
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
5.076
% 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 New Zealand
Key facts about New Zealand
- Capital
- Wellington
- Official languages
- English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- ISO code
- NZL · NZ
- Domain · dialling
- .nz · +64
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 New Zealand’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
2ndof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint5thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
5thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
9thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
12thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint16thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
23rdof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
29thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
37thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
38thof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
50thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
52ndof 200
From 3 of 4 key statistics
49thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint71stof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint122ndof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
No standing — New Zealand holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for New Zealand’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for New Zealand in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where New Zealand stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which New Zealand 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 New Zealand does best26
In the top third of all countries measured. 26 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 91st of 91 · 1 = worst · 27.39 · 2023
world median 91.81 (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
- 4th
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 175 · 0.975 · 2025
world median 0.676 (better)
- 4th
- 5th
- 5thVoice and Accountabilitytop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 206 · 1.61 · 2025
world median -0.022 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 50 · 76.39 · 2024
world median 65.82 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 50 · 68.91 · 2024
world median 50.13 (better)
- 6th
- 6th
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 195 · 19.3 · 2023
world median 13.34 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 171st of 176 · 1 = worst · 0.014 · 2025
world median 0.518 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 188 · 91.74 · 2024
world median 69.3 (better) · ▲ 14 pts since 2016
- 7thGovernment Effectivenesstop 3%
Position · derived 7th of 209 · 1.873 · 2025
world median 0.101 (better)
- 8th
- 8thControl of Corruptiontop 3%
Position · derived 8th of 211 · 1.887 · 2025
world median -0.197 (better) · ▼ 2 pts since 2015
- 8thINFORM Risk Indextop 3%
Position · derived 184th of 191 · 1 = worst · 1.6 · 2025
world median 3.7 (better)
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 176 · 0.937 · 2025
world median 0.772 (better)
- 9th
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 181 · 64,349 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 176 · 2.946 · 2025
world median 0.565 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2015
- 9th
- 10thPISA Reading Performancetop 12%
Position · derived 10th of 79 · 500.85 · 2022
world median 440.35 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2012
Where New Zealand struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 2 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2nd
Position · derived 2nd of 174 · 1 = worst · 24.79 · 2025
world median 4.456 (worse)
- 5thAgriculture Orientation Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 128th of 132 · 0.04 · 2024
world median 0.305 (worse) · ▼ 20 pts since 2014
- GDP Growthbottom 8%
Position · derived 172nd of 186 · 0.463 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 55 pts since 2015
- World Risk Indexbottom 17%
Position · derived 33rd of 193 · 1 = worst · 15.2 · 2025
world median 4.17 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
- CO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 22%
Position · derived 47th of 210 · 1 = worst · 6.229 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so New Zealand 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
17th
of 141 · 1990
17th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
1st
of 173 · 2012
4th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
17th
of 79 · 1990
30th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
24th
of 132 · 2022
26th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
40th
of 140 · 1995
49th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
23rd
of 172 · 2020
37th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where New Zealand has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Political Violence by Non-State Actors+25 pts since 2015
- Crop Production Index+22 pts since 2012
- Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)+20 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where New Zealand has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary-24 pts since 2014
- Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation-23 pts since 2014
05In context
New Zealand 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
New Zealand 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).
- =17New Zealand
- 24
Australia
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for New Zealand
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 & Institutions29
Agriculture Orientation Index128th of 132position · derived0.04Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 2% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
New Zealand 0.04 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency6th of 50position · derived76.39Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
top 10% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
New Zealand 76.39 · world median 65.82 (better)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services6th of 50position · derived68.91Public services score (0–100)2024
top 10% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
New Zealand 68.91 · world median 50.13 (better)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework23rd of 50position · derived67.51Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
top 45% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
New Zealand 67.51 · world median 66.8 (better)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 14%0.399CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 14% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
New Zealand 0.399 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -53 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings6th of 198position · derived92.24Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 3% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
New Zealand 92.24 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)21st of 192rank0.622ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 10% 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)
New Zealand 0.622 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points 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 (%)
New Zealand 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption8th of 211position · derived1.887Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 3% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
New Zealand 1.887 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index4th of 181rank81CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 2% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
New Zealand 81 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index37th of 195rank62.7AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 19% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
New Zealand 62.7 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness7th of 209position · derived1.873Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 3% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
New Zealand 1.873 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student37th of 68position · derived17.35Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
bottom 46% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
New Zealand 17.35 · world median 17.81 (worse)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Government Spending on Education26th of 123position · derived5.213Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 20% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
New Zealand 5.213 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index34th of 196position · derived0.878GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 17% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
New Zealand 0.878 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index4th of 175position · derived0.975Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 2% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.975 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
No real change since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index14th of 176position · derived0.787Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.787 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Open Data Inventory27th of 168rank76ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 16% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
New Zealand 76 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2016
Political Corruption Index171st of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.014Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 3% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
New Zealand 0.014 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill64th of 168position · derived9.252Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 38% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
New Zealand 9.252 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
No real change since 2012
Regulatory Quality2nd of 209position · derived1.854Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 1% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
New Zealand 1.854 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law9th of 211position · derived1.656Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 4% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
New Zealand 1.656 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators6th of 188position · derived91.74SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 3% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
New Zealand 91.74 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density61st of 139position · derived18.89Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 43% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
New Zealand 18.89 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index13th of 176position · derived0.849Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.849 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability5th of 206position · derived1.61Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 2% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
New Zealand 1.61 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law15th of 190position · derived97.5WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 9% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
New Zealand 97.5 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation23
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution23rd of 139position · derived97.86Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 16% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
New Zealand 97.86 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings51st of 118position · derived9.862Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 43% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
New Zealand 9.862 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
No real change since 2011
Container Port Traffic39th of 103position · derived3,371,175Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 37% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
New Zealand 3,371,175 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index80th of 195position · derived108.2Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 41% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
New Zealand 108.2 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports84th of 170position · derived26.68Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 49% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
New Zealand 26.68 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index49th of 145rank0.523ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 33% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
New Zealand 0.523 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit35th of 179position · derived52.96Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 19% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
New Zealand 52.96 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index134th of 195position · derived100.57Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 31% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
New Zealand 100.57 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
No real change since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 28%0.974FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 28% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
New Zealand 0.974 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth172nd of 186position · derived0.463GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 8% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
New Zealand 0.463 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -55 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)38th of 185position · derived48,233GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 20% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
New Zealand 48,233 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index26th of 139rank45.49GII score (0–100)2025
top 18% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
New Zealand 45.49 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
Gross Savings (% of GDP)94th of 146position · derived18.95Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 36% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
New Zealand 18.95 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
ICT Goods Exports57th of 119position · derived1.23ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 47% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
New Zealand 1.23 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2014
ICT Services Exports72nd of 118position · derived6.115ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 39% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
New Zealand 6.115 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index61st of 175rank88.24LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 36% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
New Zealand 88.24 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index146th of 194position · derived99Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 25% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
New Zealand 99 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
No real change since 2012
Logistics Performance Index26th of 139rank3.6LPI score (1–5)2023
top 21% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
New Zealand 3.6 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Research and Development Spending26th of 84position · derived1.548Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 30% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
New Zealand 1.548 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
No real change since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants20th of 145position · derived5,435Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 13% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
New Zealand 5,435 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 35%1.7Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 35% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
New Zealand 1.7 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)101st of 180position · derived1.494Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 49% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
New Zealand 1.494 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index9th of 99rank79.6Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 9% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
New Zealand 79.6 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked149th of 182position · derived33.48Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
New Zealand 33.48 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture125th of 182position · derived5.418Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
New Zealand 5.418 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry78th of 182position · derived19.94Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
New Zealand 19.94 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services37th of 182position · derived74.64Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
New Zealand 74.64 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio29th of 182position · derived66.78Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
New Zealand 66.78 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate20th of 182position · derived66.08Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
New Zealand 66.08 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager84th of 179position · derived20.31Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 47% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
New Zealand 20.31 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed41st of 168position · derived87,948GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 24% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
New Zealand 87,948 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate26th of 182position · derived70.35Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 14% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
New Zealand 70.35 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked41st of 182position · derived51.43Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
New Zealand 51.43 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate125th of 182position · derived18.41Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
New Zealand 18.41 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate92nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst5.076Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 50% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
New Zealand 5.076 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment133rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst12.57Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
New Zealand 12.57 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training60th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst12.78Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
top 39% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
New Zealand 12.78 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate78th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst14.36Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
New Zealand 14.36 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge17
Academic Freedom Index39th of 176position · derived0.847Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 22% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.847 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
No real change since 2015
Expected Years of Schooling6th of 195position · derived19.3Expected years of schooling2023
top 3% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
New Zealand 19.3 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 13%51.99Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 13% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
New Zealand 51.99 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores13th of 172position · derived519.75Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 7% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
New Zealand 519.75 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary14th of 75position · derived17.57Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
top 17% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
New Zealand 17.57 · world median 5.494 (better)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Learning Poverty90th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst10.8610-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 28% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
New Zealand 10.86 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School13th of 172position · derived11.39Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 7% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
New Zealand 11.39 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling20th of 193position · derived12.88Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 10% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
New Zealand 12.88 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary73rd of 121position · derived · 1 = worst2.625Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 40% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
New Zealand 2.625 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2014
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 17%1.902Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 17% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
New Zealand 1.902 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance23rd of 79position · derived479.07Mean mathematics score2022
top 28% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
New Zealand 479.07 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance10th of 79position · derived500.85Mean reading score2022
top 12% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
New Zealand 500.85 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance11th of 79position · derived504.13Mean science score2022
top 13% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
New Zealand 504.13 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate37th of 120position · derived83.84Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 30% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
New Zealand 83.84 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
School Life Expectancy4th of 77position · derived19.21School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 4% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
New Zealand 19.21 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
No real change since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment13th of 109position · derived114.23Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 11% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
New Zealand 114.23 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio19th of 95position · derived77.24Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 19% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
New Zealand 77.24 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Health & Wellbeing14
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff60th of 86position · derived96.5Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
bottom 31% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
New Zealand 96.5 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply53rd of 155position · derived3,262Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 34% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
New Zealand 3,262 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Gender Inequality Index30th of 172rank0.082GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 17% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
New Zealand 0.082 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Violent Deaths157th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst1.29Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 25% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
New Zealand 1.29 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index13th of 172position · derived0.776HCI score (0–1)2020
top 7% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
New Zealand 0.776 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Human Development Index17th of 193rank0.938HDI score (0–1)2023
top 9% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
New Zealand 0.938 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate163rd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst4.022Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 19% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
New Zealand 4.022 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 6524th of 222position · derived20.77Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
New Zealand 20.77 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth32nd of 222position · derived82.09Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
New Zealand 82.09 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio160th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst7.03Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 18% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
New Zealand 7.03 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare32nd of 178position · derived8.87Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 17% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
New Zealand 8.87 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity71st of 127position · derived · 1 = worst4.3Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 47% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
New Zealand 4.3 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
New Zealand 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Under-Five Mortality Rate163rd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst4.738Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 19% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
New Zealand 4.738 · 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 (%)
New Zealand 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield8th of 179position · derived8,489Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 4% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
New Zealand 8,489 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Coefficient of Human Inequality133rd of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.85Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 21% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
New Zealand 8.85 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2019
Gender Development Index84th of 184position · derived0.973Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 46% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
New Zealand 0.973 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index19th of 169position · derived0.853IHDI (0–1)2023
top 11% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
New Zealand 0.853 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2019
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI44th of 156position · derived0.731PHDI (0–1)2023
top 28% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
New Zealand 0.731 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions37th of 193position · derived44,918Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 18% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
New Zealand 44,918 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land48th of 121position · derived6.297Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 39% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
New Zealand 6.297 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land108th of 209position · derived36.88Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 49% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
New Zealand 36.88 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Arable Land per Person108th of 206position · derived0.1Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 48% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
New Zealand 0.1 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity168th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst111.86Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 13% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
New Zealand 111.86 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
No real change since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)6th of 190rank0.297ND-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)
New Zealand 0.297 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita47th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst6.229Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 22% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
New Zealand 6.229 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 49%2.684Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 49% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
New Zealand 2.684 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare3rd of 188position · derived1,291Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 1% 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)
New Zealand 1,291 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area81st of 210position · derived37.79Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 38% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
New Zealand 37.79 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster103rd of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,700New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 36% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
New Zealand 1,700 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Land Under Cereal Production133rd of 179position · derived116,285Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 26% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
New Zealand 116,285 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density40th of 188position · derived1.17Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 21% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
New Zealand 1.17 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation32nd of 190position · derived85.98Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 16% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
New Zealand 85.98 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index13th of 190rank66.25ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 6% 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)
New Zealand 66.25 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area70th of 150position · derived0.92Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 45% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
New Zealand 0.92 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita9th of 181position · derived64,349Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 4% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
New Zealand 64,349 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation28th of 190position · derived85.98Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 14% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
New Zealand 85.98 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress97th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst8.05Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 45% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
New Zealand 8.05 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector83rd of 171position · derived64.95Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 48% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
New Zealand 64.95 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 37%10.63Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 37% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
New Zealand 10.63 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index33rd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst15.2WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 17% 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)
New Zealand 15.2 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality4
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 43%105.3Male births per 100 female births2023
top 43% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
New Zealand 105.3 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index118th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst14SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 16% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
New Zealand 14 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index8th of 176position · derived0.937Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 4% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.937 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index37th of 176position · derived0.644Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.644 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▼ -8 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)
New Zealand 0.726 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index16th of 176position · derived0.927Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.927 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media9th of 176position · derived2.946Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
New Zealand 2.946 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns12th of 176position · derived1.901Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
New Zealand 1.901 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +4 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)
New Zealand 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index18th of 176position · derived0.581Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
New Zealand 0.581 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index5th of 176position · derived0.986Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 2% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
New Zealand 0.986 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change 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)
New Zealand 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index114th of 149rank · 1 = worst70.28GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 24% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
New Zealand 70.28 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index184th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst1.6INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 3% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
New Zealand 1.6 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence31st of 211position · derived1.182Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 14% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
New Zealand 1.182 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors144th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-2.026Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 16% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
New Zealand -2.026 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 20%58Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 20% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
New Zealand 58 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 39%4,584Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 39% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
New Zealand 4,584 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 35%2,148Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 35% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
New Zealand 2,148 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade3
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs2nd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst24.79Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 1% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
New Zealand 24.79 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 48%48.1Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 48% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
New Zealand 48.1 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
Net Migration Ratetop 20%4.138Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 20% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
New Zealand 4.138 · 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)
New Zealand 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)
New Zealand 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 19%117.86Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 19% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
New Zealand 117.86 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 28%63.61Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 28% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
New Zealand 63.61 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 22%59.24Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 22% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
New Zealand 59.24 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership50th of 140position · derived94.38Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 35% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
New Zealand 94.38 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership27th of 140position · derived88.76Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 19% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
New Zealand 88.76 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 38%11.45Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
New Zealand 11.45 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 50%7.285Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 50% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
New Zealand 7.285 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 32%37.28Median age (years)2023
top 32% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
New Zealand 37.28 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 24%16.8Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
New Zealand 16.8 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 14%19.53People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
New Zealand 19.53 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 47%0.83Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 47% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
New Zealand 0.83 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 36%18.37Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 36% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
New Zealand 18.37 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 47%98.7Males per 100 females2023
top 47% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
New Zealand 98.7 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 48%54.26People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
New Zealand 54.26 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 39%1.667Live births per woman2023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
New Zealand 1.667 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include New Zealand. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adult Literacy Rate
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- 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
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2015
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20%
- Income Share Held by Richest 10%
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person
- Net Official Development Assistance Received
- Palma Ratio
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day
- Primary Completion Rate
- Prosperity Gap
- Public Sector Employment
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Societal Poverty Rate
- Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2020
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Literacy Rate
07Keep reading
Explore further
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 New Zealand 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: 33 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 New Zealand 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). New Zealand: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/new-zealand