Jordan advances in Global Quality of Life rankings, thanks to reforms, modernisation endeavour

AMMAN — Jordan has advanced to 56th globally and 6th in the Arab world in the Quality of Life Index 2025, according to data released by the leading international provider of comparative statistics on living conditions, Numbeo. 

Jordan’s advancement in the ranking is attributed by experts to the broader structural reforms under the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) 2033.

The latest figures show Jordan edging up one position from last year’s global ranking, achieving a composite score of approximately 125 points.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, experts explained that the Kingdom’s upgrade in the global quality of life ranking is a signal of the deep progress in socioeconomic fundamentals, and of growing resilience in the face of regional volatility.

They indicated that upgrading the quality of life for Jordanians lies at the heart of Jordan’s economic strategy and the main objectives set forth in the EMV. 

"The alignment between Jordan’s index performance and the strategic objectives of the EMV is evident," said Tareq Hijazi, Director General of the Jordanian Businessmen Association. "The agenda is not merely aspirational but has been materialised into tangible gains in quality-of-life indicators."

Hijazi cited improvement in urban mobility, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community safety and environment. 

He also cited the government’s initiatives implemented under the EMV executive action plan, which “has helped lay the groundwork for further upward movement in similar global indicators. 

"Indices like Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index are now integral tools for sovereign funds, multinationals, and policy think tanks evaluating jurisdictions for investment, operations, and talent retention," Hijazi said. "A higher ranking can have direct implications for foreign direct investment flows and country branding."

Echoing similar remarks, economist Muneer Deih commended the resilience of the national economy's performance despite the macroeconomic pressures and geopolitical turbulence the region has experienced over the past year.

“Despite these headwinds, Jordan has held its ground, outperforming several countries in the region, and coming just behind the more resource-rich Gulf economies,” he said. 

Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index showed Jordan posting relatively strong results in environmental quality, public health services, and crime awareness and in other areas, where reforms have been implemented. 

Deih, however, acknowledged that the cost-of-living burden on median income segments and housing affordability constraints “remain structural bottlenecks that require calibrated policy responses.”

He called for expanded affordable housing schemes, a more responsive land-use policy, and wage growth mechanisms tied to inflation-adjusted benchmarks. "If the government can close the affordability gap, it stands to gain further ground both in metrics and in the lived experience of its citizens.”

Economist Hussam Ayesh explained that the EMV aims to raise GDP growth to 5.6 per cent and increase real per capita income by at least 3 per cent annually, realised by the creation of one million jobs through enhanced productivity, sectoral upgrading, and digital transformation.

"This is not a social policy initiative in isolation but a productivity-led growth model that places human capital at the centre," Ayesh said, adding, "Improving the quality of life expands the labour force’s capacity, boosts domestic demand, and strengthens social cohesion, all of which are critical to macroeconomic stability and long-term competitiveness."

He also underscored the importance of integrating smart infrastructure, AI, and digital technologies into the national development strategy, both to generate high-value employment and to position Jordan as a digitally enabled economy responsive to global shifts.