Global Economic Freedom Report reveals startling community impacts

The beginning of October marked the release of the Economic Freedom of the World: 2025 Annual Report, a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond traditional economic metrics to reveal something deeper about how societies function. As someone who has witnessed both Jamaican and Canadian communities navigate economic challenges, I find this year’s findings particularly revealing.

The report ranks 165 countries based on five key areas: rule of law, property rights, sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and regulatory burden. These are the building blocks of community wellbeing.

What caught my attention immediately? The stark contrast between nations at the top and bottom of the rankings. Countries in the top quartile boast an average GDP per capita of $66,434 and life expectancy of 79 years. Meanwhile, those in the bottom quartile struggle with just $10,751 per capita and a mere 62 years of life expectancy.

These numbers tell a human story. They represent parents wondering how to feed their children, communities grappling with preventable diseases, and young people facing limited opportunities. The infant mortality rate alone is nearly ten times higher in the least free countries, a statistic that should haunt our collective conscience.

Hong Kong maintains the top position despite recent declines, while the United States ranks 5th. Canada sits at 11th, the UK at 13th. More concerning, global economic freedom has been declining since 2020, with COVID-19 policies erasing nearly a decade of progress.

The report’s analysis of Trump’s tariffs offers a cautionary tale. These policies would drop the United States from 56th to 76th in freedom to trade, potentially pushing it out of the top 10 in overall economic freedom. This is about how protectionist policies can ripple through communities, affecting everything from job security to food prices.

Perhaps most fascinating is the connection between economic freedom and other aspects of human flourishing. The research reveals that economically free societies: enjoy better health outcomes, greater political freedom, and even higher educational achievement. This shouldn’t surprise us; when people have the freedom to make economic choices, they gain agency in other areas of life as well.

For racialized communities and marginalized groups, these findings carry particular weight. Economic freedom can serve as a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to prosperity. Yet, we must also acknowledge that true freedom requires addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited economic participation for many.

The data challenges us to think beyond traditional political divides. It invites us to consider how policies that expand economic opportunity might simultaneously: strengthen community bonds, improve health outcomes, and foster greater social cohesion.

What will you do with this information? I encourage you to examine how economic freedom manifests in your community. Start conversations with neighbours about how local policies either enhance or limit economic opportunity. Most importantly, consider how you might support institutions and initiatives that expand economic freedom for all members of our society.