The KOF Globalization Index measures the economic, social and political dimensions of globalization. It is used in order to monitor changes in the level of globalization of different countries over extended periods of time. The current KOF Globalization Index is available for 190 countries and covers the period from 1970 until 2022. A distinction is drawn between de facto and de jure for the Index as a whole, as well as within the economic, social and political components.
The Index measures globalization on a scale of 1 to 100, where higher values indicate a higher degree of globalization. The figures for the constituent variables are expressed as percentiles. This means that outliers are smoothed and ensures that fluctuations over time are lower. Due to the new methodology, the current Index is only to a limited extent comparable to the old KOF Globalization Index.
Last updated by source: 2023-12-06
| Dataset type: | Time-Series |
| Dataset level: | Country |
(Gygli et al., 2019)
(Dreher, 2006)
Economic globalisation (scale of 1 to 100) covers both trade flows as well as financial flows. De facto trade is determined with reference to the trade in goods and services. De jure trade covers customs duties, taxes and restrictions on trade.
More about this variableThe overall index of globalization (scale of 1 to 100) is the weighted average of the following variables: economic globalization, social globalization and political globalization (dr_eg, dr_sg and dr_pg). Most weight has been given to economic followed by social globalization.
More about this variablePolitical globalisation (scale of 1 to 100) regards the de facto segment measured with reference to the number of embassies and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), along with partici-pation in UN peacekeeping missions. The de jure segment contains variables focussing on the membership of international organisations and international treaties.
More about this variableSocial globalization (scale of 1 to 100) is comprised of three segments, each with its own de facto and de jure segment. Interpersonal contact is measured within the de facto segment with reference to international telephone connections, tourist numbers and migration. Within the de jure segment, it is measured with reference to telephone subscriptions, international airports and visa restrictions. Flows of information are determined within the de facto segment with reference to international patent applications, international students and trade in high technology goods. The de jure segment measures access to TV and the internet, freedom of the press and international internet connections. Cultural proximity is measured in the de facto segment from trade in cultural goods, international trademark registrations and the number of McDonald’s restaurants and IKEA stores. The de jure area focuses on civil rights (freedom of citizens), gender equality and public spending on school education.
More about this variable