Country Risk Profile · Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index

United Kingdom

Country Profile

Population

69,226,000

Global avg: 41.5M

Area

243,610 km²

Global avg: 714,913 km²

Population Density

284 /km²

World: 58 /km²

GDP (Nominal)

$3.64T

Global avg: $569.2B

GDP per Capita

$52,637

World: $13,684

Sustainable Competitiveness

Overall GSCI Rank

#10

of 193 countries

Overall Score

59.0

94% of best score · 95th percentile

vs. Global Average

+13.6 higher

Global average: 45.4

2026 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index Performance

Overall competitiveness score (high score → lower risk)

Rank 10 / 193
025507510059.0United Kingdom62.9Global best45.4Global average(Sweden)

10-year change (2015–2025)

+0.7

vs global trend

10-year outlook (projection)

-2.1

Sustainable Competitiveness Dimensions for United Kingdom

How United Kingdom compares to the global best and global average across the six GSCI dimensions.

Natural Capital

Rank 61 / 193
025507510054.8United Kingdom66.4Global best49.9Global average

Resource Efficiency

Rank 6 / 193
025507510058.7United Kingdom60.8Global best46.6Global average

Social Capital

Rank 47 / 193
025507510050.9United Kingdom62.0Global best45.0Global average

Intellectual Capital

Rank 4 / 193
025507510075.4United Kingdom79.7Global best40.4Global average

Economic Sustainability

Rank 23 / 193
025507510051.5United Kingdom61.2Global best42.0Global average

Governance

Rank 30 / 193
025507510062.7United Kingdom75.1Global best48.3Global average
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Key figures and GSCI 2026 results for the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks 10th of 193 countries in the GSCI 2026, with a score of 59.0. This is 94% of the best score (Sweden, 62.9) and places the United Kingdom in the 95th percentile, 13.6 points above the global average of 45.4.
The United Kingdom performs best in Intellectual Capital (4th) and Resource Efficiency (6th), and weakest in Natural Capital (61st) and Social Capital (47th). Its ranks in the other dimensions: Economic Sustainability 23rd, Governance 30th.
The United Kingdom's GSCI score has improved by 0.7 points over the past ten years (2015–2025). Based on recent trends, the 10-year outlook is negative (-2.1 points).
The United Kingdom has a population of 69.2 million, 67% above the average country (41.5 million), and a population density of 284 people per km², 4.9 times the world average (58). Its GDP is $3.64 trillion, 6.4 times the average country ($569.2 billion).
The United Kingdom's GDP per capita is $52,637, 3.8 times the world average of $13,684.
The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) measures the sustainable competitiveness of 193 countries across six dimensions: Natural Capital, Resource Efficiency, Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, Economic Sustainability and Governance. It is based on 296 quantitative indicators from sources such as the World Bank, UN agencies and the IMF, with no surveys or opinions.

Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index

Browse the full GSCI: 193 countries ranked across six structural dimensions of sustainable competitiveness, built on 296 quantitative indicators from the World Bank, UN, IMF, IEA, and other recognised data providers.

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About the GSCI methodology

The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index ranks 193 countries across six structural dimensions. Scores are derived from 200+ quantitative indicators sourced from the World Bank, UN, IMF, IEA, and other recognised data providers.

Read the full methodology

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