Economy Faculty

Afghanistan’s economic freedom score is 53.0, making its economy the 146th freest in the 2021 Index. Its overall score has decreased by 1.7 points, primarily because of problems related to the rule of law. Afghanistan is ranked 33rd among 40 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is below the regional and world averages.

After a modest increase in 2020, economic freedom in Afghanistan has slumped, and the economy is more firmly entrenched in the ranks of the mostly unfree. Economic growth remains impeded by the dangerous security environment and unstable political situation. Insecurity has also suppressed business freedom and investment freedom. To reverse course, Afghanistan needs stability, security, and stronger rule-of-law institutions.