Be careful when using these indexes. They measure qualities that are difficult to quantify. Moreover, methodologies often change year to year; therefore, multiyear comparisons are often invalid. For these reasons, it is important to know the methodologies used to derive these cross country comparisons before using them. Most of the indexes included provide their methodology.
Search tip: If you are looking for an indicator, e.g. stability, do a search in the search box for the database that you select. That will let you know which index measures that quality.
- Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions
Five indicators: Power Distance Index, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance Index, and LTO Long-Term Orientation. Click on a country name to see an explanation of each of the indexes.
- KOF Index of Globalization (1970- ) from KOF Swiss Economic Institute
Measures the three main dimensions of globalization: economic, social, and political.
- Prison Brief (latest only) from King's College London
Not an index. Lists of countries with the following prison statistics from highest and lowest:
- prison population total,
- prison population rate,
- percentage of pre-trial detainees / remand prisoners within the prison population,
- percentage of female prisoners within the prison population,
- percentage of foreign prisoners within the prison population,
- occupancy rate.
