Paraíba leads in quality of life in the North and Northeast for the second consecutive year, according to IPS 2026

The state of Paraíba has once again achieved prominence in the national development and well-being scenario. According to official data from the Social Progress Index (IPS Brazil 2026), the state has won first place in the Northeast region for quality of life for the second consecutive year, scoring 62.39 points (on a scale of 0 to 100).

Paraíba's leadership in the region crowns a continuous cycle of investments in infrastructure and social policies that contribute to improving the quality of life of its people.

Considering all states in the country, Paraíba ranked 11th, following the Brazilian average, which reached a score of 63.40.

The index evaluates the performance of the 26 states and the Federal District based on indicators that go beyond the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), divided into three essential dimensions: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being, and Opportunities.

According to the State Secretariat for Planning, Budget and Management (Seplag), the result is not a matter of chance, but rather a combination of economic development, with GDP growing above the regional and national average in recent years, and the State's ability to ensure that economic achievements translate into social benefits such as housing, water security, public safety, and health. "Paraíba's leadership in the Northeast proves that planning based on data and evidence and control of public accounts make it possible to achieve real results in improving citizens' lives," emphasized the Secretary of Planning, Gilmar Martins.

What is the SPI? - The Social Progress Index (SPI) Brazil assesses the quality of life in the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities based on 57 social and environmental indicators. The index does not only measure wealth or GDP, but seeks to show whether the population can access rights, services, and basic living conditions.

IPS Brasil is developed in partnership between Imazon, the Avina Foundation, Amazônia 2030, the Amazon Entrepreneurship Center, and the Social Progress Imperative.