The Economic Freedom of the World Index is a ranking produced by the Canadian Fraser Institute that evaluates the economic freedom of countries around the world. The institute published the latest edition, based on data from 2024, on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, the Liberal Institute reported to the Czech News Agency [1].
The Czech Republic's Result
The Czech Republic ranked 23rd out of 165 countries surveyed [1]. Compared with the previous, revised ranking, it rose by 12 places and also improved in absolute terms in its economic freedom score [1]. The index has been published since 1996, always based on data that are two years old, since it is necessary to wait for data from all 165 countries [1].
The index is made up of five indicators: the size of government, the legal system and property rights, freedom to trade internationally, regulation, and sound money [1]. The Czech Republic improved in four of the five indicators, with only its score for freedom to trade internationally remaining unchanged [1]. Martin Pánek, director of the Liberal Institute, said that "the largest part of the improvement comes from sound money, that is, the result of lower inflation, for which we must praise the Czech National Bank" [1]. According to Pánek, the size of government remains the Czech Republic's weakest area, in which the country ranked 110th compared with other countries [1].
Comparison with Central European Countries
Among Central European countries, only Germany, in 19th place, ranked better than the Czech Republic [1]. Austria took 33rd place, Slovakia 43rd, Hungary 49th and Poland 65th [1]. Hong Kong topped the overall ranking, while Venezuela came last [1].
Link to Prosperity
According to the Liberal Institute, higher economic freedom is associated with greater prosperity, greater civil liberties and longer life expectancy [1]. In the countries in the top quarter of the ranking, two percent of the population live in extreme poverty on an income below $4.2 a day, compared with 41 percent in the countries in the bottom quarter [1]. Average life expectancy in the quarter of the freest countries reaches 81 years, compared with 67 years in the last quarter of countries [1]. Pánek said on this: "Where people can pursue their own happiness and make their own decisions, they lead happier and healthier lives in greater prosperity." [1]
Related articles: Fraser Institute, Liberal Institute
Chronology
- — In the Economic Freedom of the World index of the Canadian Fraser Institute, published with data from 2024, Czechia ranked 23rd of 165 countries, up 12 places. Hospodářské noviny
Sources
- Hospodářské noviny — 6 October 2026