Finland is the most prosperous country in the world, finds the Legatum Prosperity Index. Combination of good governance, domestic security and high levels of education make Finland the world leader, with other Northern European countries strongly represented in top 10.
The third edition of the Legatum Prosperity Index, published on October 26, 2009 in London, ranks 104 countries (covering 90% of the world’s population), based on a definition of prosperity that combines economic growth together with measures of happiness and quality of life. Finland ranks first overall as a result of a very strong performance in each of the nine areas identified as the foundations of true prosperity. Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway round out the top five positions in the Index. The largest nations to rank inside the top 10 are Australia (6th), Canada (7th), and the United States (9th).
“The Legatum Prosperity Index is the world’s only global assessment of wealth and wellbeing,” said Dr. William Inboden, Senior Vice President of the Legatum Institute. “Finland scored highly in every area of prosperity to claim top spot in this year’s Index amid competition from several other Northern European countries,” he continued, “and Finland’s superior ranking can be attributed to its commitment to promoting freedom, security and good governance as well as fostering a sound economic environment. Maintaining such a balance will help Finland to consolidate its leadership position in future.”
More information: Legatum Prosperity Index 2009
Updated 10/28/2009
