Overall Score for Theft of Secure Materials

The NTI Nuclear Security Index evaluates the overall effectiveness of countries in preventing the theft of secure materials. This ranking combines critical factors like security measures, global norms, and material management to highlight leaders in nuclear security and areas requiring improvement.

Top Countries in Overall Nuclear Material Security

Australia leads the rankings with the highest overall score, reflecting its exemplary security measures and adherence to global norms. Switzerland and Canada also rank among the top, showcasing their strong commitment to minimizing theft risks:

- Australia: 93
- Switzerland: 91
- Canada: 89
- Germany: 87
- Netherlands: 84
- Norway: 83
- Belgium: 82

Moderately Scoring Countries

Countries like Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom achieve moderate scores, reflecting solid efforts in nuclear material security but with areas for potential enhancement. These nations demonstrate significant alignment with global standards while maintaining robust security practices:

- Japan: 80
- Italy, United Kingdom: 77
- United States: 74
- China: 67
- France, Kazakhstan: 66

Countries Facing Security Challenges

At the lower end of the rankings, nations such as India, Iran, and North Korea display significant vulnerabilities in securing nuclear materials. These scores highlight gaps in security frameworks, global alignment, and resource allocation:

- Belarus: 62
- South Africa: 58
- Israel: 54
- Russia: 53
- Pakistan: 49
- India: 40
- Iran: 29
- North Korea: 18

Why Overall Security Scores Matter

The overall score reflects a nation’s comprehensive approach to nuclear material security. It integrates domestic commitments, international cooperation, and effective management practices to gauge the risk of nuclear theft and the strength of preventative measures.

Insights into Global Nuclear Security Efforts

This ranking provides a holistic view of global efforts to secure nuclear materials. By understanding these scores, nations can identify areas for improvement, foster international collaboration, and contribute to a safer and more secure world.