Switzerland among the top in the 2007
Economic Freedom of the World Index
(according to Fraser Institute)
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The Economic Freedom of the World Index, which measures the degree to which the policies and
institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom, ranks Switzerland within the top.
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Among 141 countries, it places 4th mainly due to its superior judicial independence and stable currency.
Switzerland is followed by the USA, United Kingdom and Canada all tied for fifth place, and Hong Kong,
Singapore and New Zealand rank in the first three positions respectively. Other rankings of large
economies include Germany (18th), Japan (22nd) and China (86th).
Published by the Fraser Institute, the index utilizes 42 different criteria to rank countries throughout
the world. The index measures economic freedom by personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete
and security of private property. Research indicates that those, living in countries with high levels of
economic freedom, enjoy greater prosperity and individual freedoms in addition to longer life spans.
Country rankings
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Country |
Rank |
Score |
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Hong Kong |
1 |
8.9 |
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Singapore |
2 |
8.8 |
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New Zealand |
3 |
8.5 |
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Switzerland |
4 |
8.3 |
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USA |
5 |
8.1 |
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UK |
5 |
8.1 |
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Canada |
5 |
8.1 |
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Estonia |
8 |
8.0 |
|
Australia |
9 |
7.9 |
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Ireland |
9 |
7.9 |
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Text – Greater
Zurich Area
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