Kazakhstan tops Central Asia in prosperity ranking
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan ranked 66th out of 167 countries in the 2026 Legatum Prosperity Index, achieving the best result among Central Asian states. The country has also significantly improved its position in recent years.
What the Prosperity Index measures
The Legatum Prosperity Index has been published by the British think tank Legatum Institute since 2007. Unlike rankings focused mainly on economic indicators, it assesses prosperity more broadly, taking into account both material well-being and social factors.
The study covers 167 countries. Analysts evaluate them across three major areas: inclusive societies, open economies and empowered people.
Dozens of indicators are considered, ranging from healthcare and education to the investment climate and social conditions.
Kazakhstan leads Central Asia
Kazakhstan placed 66th with a score of 66.37 points. Among other Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan ranked 87th, Uzbekistan 94th, Tajikistan 129th and Turkmenistan 150th.
Kazakhstan therefore ranks 21 places ahead of its nearest regional neighbour, Kyrgyzstan.
Screenshot from prosperityindex.com
Compared with 2011, Kazakhstan has climbed 17 positions in the ranking.
Kazakhstan’s strengths
Education was one of Kazakhstan’s strongest areas, with the country ranking 32nd globally.
Kazakhstan also performed well in family relationships and social cohesion, placing 30th.
The country’s most notable progress over the past decade was recorded in healthcare.
Which countries topped the global ranking
Switzerland took first place in the global ranking with a score of 91.82 points. Norway ranked second with 91.07 points, while Ireland came third with 90.19 points.
The top 10 also included Denmark with 89.70 points, Finland with 89.55, Iceland with 89.16, Sweden with 88.39, Germany with 88.11, Australia with 89.07 and the Netherlands with 87.93.