Tunisia Ranks 77th in the 2026 Edition of the "Best Countries" Index by U.S. News & World Report
Tunisia has secured the 77th spot globally in the 2026 edition of the "Best Countries" index published by U.S. News & World Report, in partnership with BAV Group and the Wharton School. With a global score of 46.7 out of 100, the country occupies a middle position, reflecting both progress in human development and persistent economic and institutional fragilities.
The international ranking, which evaluates around 100 countries, is based on a methodology combining international perceptions and statistical indicators. It analyzes the performance of states across eight major pillars: economic development, governance, quality of life, health, infrastructure, natural environment, opportunities, and cultural capital. The goal is to measure not only raw economic performance but also a country's global image and attractiveness.
Mixed Performance in Different Pillars
The detailed results of the ranking show a Tunisia with heterogeneous performances. In terms of economic development, the country ranks 73rd with a score of 43.1, driven by an estimated GDP of $178.3 billion and a GDP per capita in purchasing power parity of $14,521. However, this indicator remains limited by a high unemployment rate of 15.1%, low productivity, and significant poverty levels.
In terms of governance, Tunisia occupies the 71st place globally with a score of 46.9, reflecting challenges related to institutional efficiency, corruption perception, and political stability. The country also ranks 74th in infrastructure, despite near-universal access to electricity and a sanitation coverage rate above 98%.
On the social front, Tunisia ranks 89th in "Civic Health," an indicator that measures social trust, citizen participation, and perceived well-being. The country exhibits a low level of generalized trust and relatively low electoral participation rates according to the ranking methodology.
Stronger Sectors
However, some sectors appear more robust. The health sector places Tunisia 71st globally, with a life expectancy of 76.5 years and a vaccination coverage rate above 94%. Access to healthcare and the efficiency of basic systems are relatively positive aspects overall.
A Country with Potential but Still in Transition
The ranking also highlights the country's structural characteristics. Tunisia boasts a relatively high level of education with an average of 7.6 years of schooling, as well as developing banking and social services. However, challenges persist in innovation, research and development, and access to digital skills, where the country remains behind.
In the "opportunities" pillar, Tunisia is ranked 70th, reflecting a business environment still constrained by regulatory obstacles and a labor market marked by a mismatch between education and employment.
A Middle-Ranked Tunisia
Ultimately, the 2026 U.S. News ranking paints a picture of a Tunisia in a middle position globally. The country benefits from real strengths in human capital, basic social coverage, and a strategic geographical position in the Mediterranean, but remains confronted with structural challenges related to growth, governance, and economic opportunity creation.
With this 77th rank, Tunisia is situated in the category of emerging economies in transition, where significant room for progress remains, particularly in economic transformation, innovation, and improving the business climate.
