The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security ranked 181 countries by how well they protect and include women, using measures such as justice, security and inclusion. Northern European nations dominate the top spots — Denmark ranks first — thanks to high education, financial inclusion and political representation. Conflict-affected states score worst, with Afghanistan at the bottom and many low-ranked countries situated near active armed conflict. The United States is 31st, Canada 16th and Mexico 147th.
The Best — and Worst — Countries for Women, Ranked: Where Women Thrive and Where They Don’t
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Where a woman lives remains one of the strongest determinants of the rights, safety and opportunities available to her. Using data from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, this analysis ranks countries on women’s wellbeing across measures such as justice, security and inclusion.
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Top-Ranking Countries
Northern Europe dominates the upper ranks. High performers typically combine broad educational attainment, strong financial inclusion, high female workforce participation, robust legal protections and meaningful political representation — alongside relatively low levels of gender-based violence.
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- Denmark
- Iceland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Finland
- Luxembourg
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Austria
- New Zealand
Lowest-Ranking Countries
The lowest-ranked countries are frequently affected by political instability, armed conflict and fragile institutions. These conditions increase exposure to gender-based violence, restrict access to justice and health services, and worsen maternal health outcomes. The Georgetown analysis also found that more than 70% of women living in the 12 lowest-ranked countries are within roughly 30 miles (50 km) of active armed conflict.
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- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Central African Republic
- Syria
- Sudan
- Haiti
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Myanmar
Notable National Placements
The United States ranked 31st out of 181 countries — below countries such as Serbia and Malta but above Czechia and Hungary. Canada placed 16th, while Mexico ranked 147th. These placements reflect differences in economic opportunity, legal protections, health-care access and levels of gender-based violence.
Why These Rankings Matter
Location, law and stability shape women’s everyday lives: where conflict is nearby or institutions are weak, women face higher risks and fewer protections. Conversely, where governments invest in education, health, legal equality and economic inclusion, women’s outcomes improve.
Source: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (ranking based on measures of justice, security and inclusion).
For policymakers and the public, these results highlight where progress is working and where urgent attention is needed to protect women’s rights and safety.
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