Nepal Drops One Spot to 90th in Economic Freedom Ranking
Summary
Nepal slipped one place to 90th in the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World report, while improving its score in international trade and recovering to near pre-pandemic levels overall. Hong Kong topped the global ranking and the report linked higher economic freedom with stronger income and life expectancy.
Key Points
- Nepal fell to 90th out of 165 countries in the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World report, with a score of 6.59 out of 10.
- The country improved in freedom to trade internationally but declined in size of government, legal system and property rights, sound money and regulation.
- Samriddhi Foundation published the report in Nepal for the 19th consecutive year in collaboration with the Canada-based Fraser Institute.
- The report says countries with more economic freedom tend to have higher per capita income and longer life expectancy.
