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New Zealander Scorecard

Country profile

New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery that spans mountains, forests, and pristine coastlines. It has a population of 5.2 million, a population growth rate of 2.05%, and a median age of 37.28 years.

Its history is marked by the enduring traditions of the Māori people and later British colonization, which together have shaped a unique bicultural society.

Today, New Zealand is celebrated for its environmental stewardship, vibrant arts scene, and a modern, inclusive society that values both tradition and innovation.

Its capital city is Wellington.

How does New Zealand compare to other countries?

Explore country scorecards:

Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in New Zealand improved by 0.7% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in New Zealand worsened by 30.6% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in New Zealand improved by 49.0% from 2023 to 2024

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in New Zealand improved by 1.3% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in New Zealand improved by 2.4% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in New Zealand worsened by 5.0% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in New Zealand worsened by 1.1% from 2023 to 2024

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in New Zealand improved by 1.5% from 2019 to 2020

PISA Scores (Reading) in New Zealand worsened by 1.0% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Math) in New Zealand worsened by 3.0% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Science) in New Zealand worsened by 0.8% from 2018 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in New Zealand worsened by 2.3% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in New Zealand worsened by 3.7% from 2022 to 2023

Homicide Rate in New Zealand worsened by 67.7% from 2018 to 2019

Government Effectiveness in New Zealand improved by 14.2% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in New Zealand improved by 3.0% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in New Zealand worsened by 1.4% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in New Zealand improved by 2.2% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in New Zealand improved by 5.5% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in New Zealand improved by 12.6% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in New Zealand improved by 0.7% from 2020 to 2021