Hong Kong Retains Top Spot in 2026 Economic Freedom of the World Report by Fraser Institute
According to the latest annual ranking from Canada's Fraser Institute, Hong Kong has maintained its position as the world's freest economy among 165 jurisdictions, although its score has seen a decrease in recent years. The city lost the top spot for the first time in 2023, before reclaiming it in 2024 and retaining it in 2025. Switzerland moved into second place, while Singapore dropped to third.
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The South China Morning Post reported that the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World report, which was compiled by the Vancouver-based public policy research organization and utilized data from 2024, placed Hong Kong at the top spot among 165 jurisdictions. This ranking indicates that Hong Kong has kept its standing as the world's freest economy according to the assessment from the Canadian think tank, even though its score has diminished over recent years.
This ranking indicates that Hong Kong has kept its standing as the world's freest economy according to the assessment from the Canadian think tank, even though its score has diminished over recent years.
In the rankings released on Tuesday by the Fraser Institute, Switzerland surpassed Singapore to secure the second position, which resulted in the city-state of Singapore falling to third place.
Historically, Hong Kong lost the number one spot for the first time in 2023, subsequently regaining it in 2024 and holding that position in 2025.
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