14 Freest Countries in the World, According to the Human Freedom Index
Despite being known as the Land of the Free, the United States isn’t at the top of the most recent human freedom index rankings. These 14 countries rank higher for personal, civil, and economic freedoms.
The Human Freedom Index Explained
The human freedom index is a way of quantifying the civil, economic, and personal freedoms within a country. Access to economic opportunities, legal systems, property rights, and freedoms like freedom of speech and religion all factor into its calculations.
Collecting the Data
Wisevoter gathered human freedom index data from the Cato Institute and Fraser Institute. The index is based on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 representing the highest amount of freedom across 12 freedom indicators.
1: Switzerland
Switzerland has a 9.11 freedom index score thanks to strong respect for property rights and political stability, which pave the way for freedom and prosperity.
2: New Zealand
A commitment to personal freedoms gains New Zealand a 9.01 on Wisevoter’s freedom index. The Land of the Long White Cloud has a robust legal framework that protects individual rights.
3: Denmark
Denmark scores an 8.98 on the freedom index scale. The country ranks well thanks to transparent and accountable government practices alongside a strong social safety net.
4: Estonia
Openness to technological advancements gains Estonia an 8.91 score on the freedom index scale. The government effectively uses digital innovation to offer efficient public services.
5: Ireland
Ireland ranks high on the human freedom index scale thanks to a business-friendly environment and emphasis on protecting personal rights. The Emerald Isle scores an 8.9.
6: Canada
A strong emphasis on civil liberties and equal protection for all citizens scores Canada an 8.85 on the freedom index scale. Robust social institutions also help it score highly.
7: Finland
Finland ensures equal access to healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, earning it an 8.85 on the freedom index scale. The country also demonstrates a steadfast commitment to human rights.
8: Australia
With a mixed economy that emphasizes personal liberties, Australia scores 8.84 on the human freedom index. The Land Down Under promotes civic engagement and protects its citizens with a strong democracy.
9: Sweden
While Sweden has a strong commitment to human liberty, it also has robust social welfare programs, ensuring its citizens are protected and economically prosperous. Sweden scores an 8.83 on the human freedom index.
10: Luxemburg
Luxemburg provides a business-friendly environment and vigorous economy to its citizens, earning it an 8.80 on the human freedom index.
11: Netherlands
The Netherlands has a human freedom index score of 8.78. It scores highly thanks to the country’s commitment to civil liberties and a robust legal system.
12: Iceland
Minimal corruption combined with an efficient democracy explains Iceland’s 8.77 score on the human freedom index. The Land of Fire and Ice values accountability and transparency while emphasizing a strong rule of law.
13: Norway
Norway scores 8.76 on the human freedom index in large part due to its social safety nets. Norway’s welfare system promotes equality while providing economic opportunity.
14: United Kingdom
The UK offers a business-friendly economy alongside a culture that values personal liberties. The country also promotes a strong rule of law, helping it score 8.75 on the human freedom index.
Where the USA Falls
The US comes in fifteenth place on the human freedom index, with a score of 8.73. A vibrant democratic tradition and robust, market-based economy ensure the United States scores highly, though its lack of social safety net keeps it ranking below other high-income countries.
Lowest Scoring Countries
Syria ranked lowest on the human freedom index with a score of 3.66. Venezuela (4.03), Yemen (4.08), Sudan (4.48), and Egypt (4.49) also ranked at the bottom.
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