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Project Olson.

The rise and decline of nations, by country, in charts.

This project is a work in progress. To learn more, click here.

Olson Index

Composite economic health score (z-score)

Source: Composite of all indicators

The Olson Index is a composite score measuring overall economic health. It normalises each indicator to a z-score (standard deviations from the historical mean) and averages them. Higher values indicate a healthier, less sclerotised economy. The index tracks how many indicators are performing above or below their historical norms, and is therefore not suitable for direct cross-country comparisons. For example, a country with a low score could still be economically 'better' than a country with a high score because it's starting from a much higher level. Toggle countries above the chart to compare.