Kazakhstan ranked first among Central Asian countries in the global Prosperity Index, prepared by the British think tank Legatum Institute, Zakon.kz reports.
The country received a score of 66.37, placing it 66th out of 161 countries, making it one of the leaders among the CIS countries.
In the index, Kazakhstan surpassed Kyrgyzstan, which ranked 87th with a score of 60.93, Uzbekistan, which ranked 94th (60.27), and Tajikistan, which ranked 129th (48.63). The assessment was based on a wide range of indicators, including economic development, quality of life, education, healthcare, personal freedoms, investment climate, and public relations.
Legatum Institute analysts note that Kazakhstan's strengths remain its economic quality and education system, and the country has demonstrated the most significant progress over the past decade in healthcare. Since 2011, Kazakhstan has improved its ranking by 17 notches, reflecting long-term changes in social and institutional spheres.
Kazakhstan's leadership in Central Asia demonstrates that the country maintains the highest ranking in the region across a combination of economic and social factors. Higher income levels, developed infrastructure, large-scale investment projects, and a relatively diversified economy allow Kazakhstan to occupy leading positions in international quality of life assessments.
At the same time, the ranking results demonstrate a gradual narrowing of the gap between Central Asian countries. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, despite their lower rankings, are demonstrating sustainable growth thanks to economic reforms, entrepreneurship development, digitalization of public services, and the expansion of social infrastructure.
For the region as a whole, improving well-being indicators is becoming an important factor in international competitiveness. With increasing economic integration, growing mutual trade, and the development of transport projects, Central Asian countries are interested not only in increasing their GDP but also in improving the quality of life of their populations.
Kazakhstan's experience shows that long-term investments in education, healthcare, and institutional reforms remain key elements in improving national well-being.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 5, 2026