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The United States stands at the forefront of AI, demonstrating attractiveness for AI investments and readiness to integrate AI into public services. Following closely are two Asian countries: Singapore in 2nd place and South Korea in 3rd.

The United States leads in the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).

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Leading in artificial intelligence doesn't always align with strong data protection.

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Countries better prepared for artificial intelligence cover the majority of internet users in each region, except Africa.

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Asia faces the greatest disparity in the AI landscape, while Europe experiences the least.

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Europe accounts for 9 out of the top 10 countries. 

Europe continues to lead in digital quality of life.

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Globally, internet affordability is improving once again.

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Digital quality of life tends to be higher in politically stable countries.

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Money doesn’t always guarantee a higher digital quality of life.

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There is notable variability in digital quality of life among countries within the same subregion.

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Most of the top 10 countries in digital infrastructure have shifted positions since 2024, yet they continue to rank among the leaders.

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Europe experiences the smallest disparity between top and bottom countries in terms of digital infrastructure.

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Most democratic countries tend to have better-developed digital infrastructure, while the autocratic regimes often lag behind. 

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Countries with better digital infrastructure are more equipped to prevent cyberthreats and manage cyber incidents.

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Estonia leads as the most cyber-secure country in this group, ranking 2nd globally, just behind Czechia. 

Among countries along the eastern borders of both NATO and the EU, Hungary is the least prepared to prevent cyberthreats and manage cyber incidents.

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Asia experiences the largest disparity in digital security, with the top country's score being 23 times higher than that of the bottom country.

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All the top countries in digital security are located in Europe.

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Four countries that are among the leaders in digital security — Estonia, Finland, Germany, and France — are also among the top 10 in digital sovereignty.

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In Uganda, where fixed internet is the least affordable, individuals need to work 29 hours, which is 6 times the global average of 4 hours and 50 minutes, to afford a monthly subscription.

In some places, people have to work 29 hours (approximately 72% of the global average of 40 hours) just to afford internet access.

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The poorest countries often work the hardest for low-quality internet, while wealthier nations enjoy high-quality internet at an affordable price.

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Most and least affordable internet.

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Fixed internet continues to be less affordable than mobile internet.

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For instance, Yemen's mobile internet speed is 12Mbps, which is only 2% of the United Arab Emirates’ speed of 576Mbps. 

There is a major divide between countries at the top and the bottom of the internet speed indicators.

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There is also a major divide between countries at the top and the bottom of the internet latency indicators.

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Countries in higher income brackets have better internet quality.

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Best and worst quality internet: Singapore has the best internet quality, whereas Cameroon ranks at the bottom.

Global insights

Europe continues to lead in digital quality of life.

Globally, internet affordability is improving once again.

Digital quality of life tends to be higher in politically stable countries.

Money doesn’t always guarantee a higher digital quality of life.

There is notable variability in digital quality of life among countries within the same subregion.

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