Switzerland has officially claimed the top spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, overtaking Singapore and Hong Kong to become the world’s most competitive economy.
This prestigious recognition comes from the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, which evaluates economies based on governance, infrastructure, macroeconomic performance, and business efficiency. In 2025, Switzerland stood out thanks to its long-standing political stability, robust institutions, and the strength of the Swiss franc.
What Drives Switzerland’s Competitiveness?
The Switzerland IMD ranking 2025 reflects the country’s unique economic and political model, which has made it remarkably resilient in times of global uncertainty. Among the key strengths identified:
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Highly trusted public institutions and rule of law 🏛️
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Excellent transport, energy, and digital infrastructure 🛤️
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A skilled workforce and internationally competitive industries 🧠
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Confidence from global investors driven by sound fiscal policy and currency stability 💸
This combination has helped Switzerland not only navigate global turbulence but also thrive in a fragmented world.
For a broader view on how global competitiveness is evolving, see our article on the Global Economic Shift in 2025.
The 2025 IMD Top 10 Rankings
Switzerland leads the pack, followed by:
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🇨🇭 Switzerland
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🇸🇬 Singapore
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🇭🇰 Hong Kong
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🇩🇰 Denmark
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🇦🇪 UAE
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🇹🇼 Taiwan
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🇮🇪 Ireland
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🇸🇪 Sweden
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🇶🇦 Qatar (a new entrant)
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🇳🇱 Netherlands
Where Switzerland Can Improve
Despite its overall win in the Switzerland IMD ranking 2025, the country ranks:
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6th in business efficiency
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13th in macroeconomic competitiveness
Challenges remain in areas like domestic market access, pension sustainability, and promoting more internal competition. Going forward, Switzerland must also expand its focus on digital skills and resilience strategies to stay ahead.