Sweden Tops Global Social Trust Index, Indonesia Sees Significant Rise

A Pew Research Center report released in December 2025 reveals a varied global picture of social trust, highlighting Sweden as the country with the highest level of trust in strangers. The survey, covering 25 nations, found that 83% of Swedish adults believe most people can be trusted. In stark contrast, Turkey ranked lowest, with only 14% of its population expressing trust in others. Indonesia also featured in the list, experiencing a significant rise in social trust to 53%, up sharply from 41% in the prior year. The report analyses Sweden’s top ranking, linking it to the country’s status as a high-income nation. A strong correlation was found between economic prosperity and social trust, with high-income countries averaging a 59% trust level compared to just 27% in middle-income countries. The United States stands as an exception; despite having the highest GDP per capita, its trust level is similar to that of developing nations like Indonesia. The study also notes that within developed countries, individuals with higher education and greater income are more likely to trust strangers than those with lower education or income levels.