Recently Legatum, an institute based in London released its 10th annual Prosperity Index that lists world’s most successful countries.
What does make the countries prosperous anyways?
The institute measures things like per capita gross domestic product, people in full time work force, education, health, safety and security and natural environment. For now here’s the list of places that rank high among other countries.
1. New Zealand
Located near Australia but what seems like the last place on the map, New Zealand ranks to be the most prosperous country on earth. It takes the award with its social capital, economic quality and business environment.
2. Norway
Again a country far away snuggled in a safe place on the world map is a prosperous country.
3. Finland
As peaceful as the name of this country sounds, it has the best governance in the world.
4. Switzerland
Even if you are extremely bad at geography, if there is one place on earth everyone knows about is this country. Known for its scenic beauty, Switzerland has good a education system and healthcare.
5. Canada
At number 5, this country is currently the most sort after at least for the South Asians who find it more welcoming than USA. Canada promotes personal freedom, making it easy for people from all religions to feel safe, a good business environment and social capital.
6. Australia
Aussie land is also a land of opportunities for people who move from their own countries in search of a better life style.
7. Netherlands
With good education and economic quality, this country has made it to the list of happy and prosperous places in the world.
8. Sweden
Sweden ranks 3rd in economic quality and 5th for governance.
9. Denmark
Scandinavian countries have an impression of being peaceful and successful than rest of the world. But Denmark is the Scandinavian country low on its prosperity among other neighbour countries.
10. United Kingdom
How can UK not make to the list? It has the best business environment.
11. Germany
The economic powerhouse, the country ranks 11th on the charts.
12. Luxembourg
Many might not have heard a lot about this place but the country has good health care system and personal freedom according to the institute’s research and survey.
13. Ireland
This island boasts of good education and persona freedom.
14. Iceland
Countries that are geographically isolated from rest of the world have better chances of making it a better living conditions. Iceland is one of them. It has a small population of 300,000.
15. Austria
Small in size but big on safety and security index, Austria is nestled in central Europe.
16. Belgium
Can you think of anything else but chocolate when you think of this country? Belgium chocolate is one of the famous ones in the world.
17. United States
Wow. Despite the wars, the political upheavals, expensive health care and frequent gun shootings in schools, it is amazing US made it to the list of prosperous countries.
18. France
As soon as one hears about France or Paris, a romantic getaway comes to mind.
19. Singapore
Being one of the famous financial hub, Singapore is a not only a good place to visit but also to live. It has a good health system, safety and security.
20. Slovenia
Geography located in Europe, this country provides best natural environment to its citizens.
21. Spain
It has remained one of the most popular places for travelling and it also ranks well in terms of being prosperous.
22. Japan
Aside from becoming increasing popular tourism destination, it is also one of the prosperous countries. It ranks 3rd for safety and 4th for health.
23. Hong Kong
The country albeit not being given the status of an independent country by the United Nation is prospering with giving a good business environment for entrepreneurs
24. Malta
The only “malta” we know is the one we can eat aka Oranges. But jokes aside, Malta, the small island in the Mediterranean is doing really good.
25. Portugal
Yes, home to some big names of Football players, this country in the South Europe also remains on top for giving personal freedom to its citizens.