Switzerland Tops 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking; India Drops to 41st Place.

Switzerland Tops 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking; India Drops to 41st Place. 

The latest IMD World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 has been released, revealing the most competitive economies globally based on four key factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Switzerland has once again secured the top spot with a perfect score of 100, maintaining its position as the world's most competitive economy. Meanwhile, India has slipped two places to 41st among 69 countries.

Top Economies in 2025

Switzerland leads the pack with an unbeatable score of 100, showcasing its sustained excellence in competitiveness. Singapore follows at second place with a strong score of 99.44, and Hong Kong rounds out the top three with 99.22. Following them are Denmark (4th), the United Arab Emirates (5th), Taiwan (6th), Ireland (7th), Sweden (8th), Qatar (9th), and the Netherlands (10th).

The 2025 ranking also introduced three new economies: Kenya, Namibia, and Oman, making the race even more diverse.

India’s Performance and Challenges

India’s position slipped from 39th in 2024 to 41st in 2025. Its economic performance ranking dropped significantly to 27th from 20th last year. Government efficiency stayed at 45th, and business efficiency held steady at 25th place. This slide indicates areas where India needs to focus improvement efforts.

The IMD report emphasizes that competitiveness is not solely about economic metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Instead, a broader and deeper view is taken, including political, social, and cultural dimensions. The quality of life of people and the roles of governments and businesses are pivotal.

Emerging Trends in Competitiveness

The report highlights that while traditional factors remain essential, they are no longer enough. Modern leaders are adding new dimensions to competitiveness such as digital readiness, managing green transitions, and developing sophisticated resilience strategies. Competitiveness today extends beyond mere economic indicators, involving multiple factors that influence societal well-being.

Data Sources and Evaluation

The rankings are shaped by a combination of statistical data from international, national, and regional authorities, as well as the perceptions of business executives gathered via surveys conducted from February to May 2025.

Conclusion

The 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking paints a comprehensive picture of how countries perform on various fronts essential for sustained economic growth and societal welfare. With Switzerland holding strong and India facing challenges, the report serves as a vital tool for governments and businesses to strategize future improvements and meet evolving competitiveness demands in an increasingly complex world.

This new ranking underscores the critical importance of innovation, governance, infrastructure, and adaptability to new global challenges for nations aspiring to lead on the world stage.