Country explorer: United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's economy has undergone significant transformations, marked by a decline in unemployment rates to historically low levels by international standards, a gradual rise in GDP per capita despite global economic fluctuations, a shifting poverty distribution emphasizing an increase in the population above higher income thresholds, and navigated through varying rates of consumer price inflation reflecting responsive monetary policies.

The United Kingdom has experienced a significant population growth, driven by higher net migration and a fertility rate that, while fluctuating, has generally remained above the rate seen in some of its European peers, alongside a steady increase in life expectancy that reflects broader trends in high-income countries.

The United Kingdom has consistently ensured near-universal access to essential basic needs such as clean cooking fuels, electricity, safely managed drinking water, and sanitation facilities, aligning with other high-income countries in achieving high standards of living.

The United Kingdom has experienced consistent improvements in human development, illustrated by steady rises in the Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, maintenance of high literacy rates, and enhancements in learning-adjusted years of schooling, aligning closely with trends observed in other high-income countries.

The United Kingdom has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, evidenced by a significant reduction in per capita CO₂ emissions, substantial growth in renewable energy production especially from wind and solar sources, an increase in forest area, and a maintained per capita renewable freshwater resource despite pressures from economic growth and climate change.

The United Kingdom has demonstrated robust advancements in technology and innovation, evidenced by significant increases in internet usage, mobile phone subscriptions, research and development spending relative to GDP, and scientific publications per capita, showcasing its commitment to establishing a knowledge-based economy in line with high-income country peers.

The United Kingdom has experienced notable societal transformations, characterized by a significant increase in the share of the population born in another country aligning with broad trends in high-income countries, a steady improvement in self-reported life satisfaction, a progressive decrease in gender inequality, and a gradually intensifying age dependency ratio, mirroring shifts seen across other developed nations.

The United Kingdom has experienced a moderate decline in the rule of law, corruption perception, and political civil liberties indexes, while its press freedom index reflects a relatively stable environment, marking a nuanced governance landscape that both aligns with and diverges from trends observed in high-income countries.