14 Countries With the Most Freedom, America Makes the Cut

Despite its reputation as the Land of the Free, the United States isn’t at the forefront in the latest rankings for human freedom; 14 countries rank better than the U.S. in terms of personal, civil, and economic freedoms.

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

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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.

These are the results.

1: Switzerland

Woman holding a Swiss flag.
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Switzerland is the freest country in the world. It 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

Boardwalk through valley in New Zealand.
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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

Colorful buildings in Copenhagen.
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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

Cobblestone street in Tallinn, Estonia.
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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

A castle in Ireland.
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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

Moraine Lake Banff National Park, Canada.
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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

Aurora Borealis in Finland.
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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

Mother and baby koala bear.
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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

Stockholm, Sweden.
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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

Castle in Luxembourg.
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Luxemburg provides a business-friendly environment and vigorous economy to its citizens, earning it an 8.80 on the human freedom index. 

11: Netherlands

Netherlands in the spring with tulips.
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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

Person watching a waterfall in Iceland.
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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

Trolltunga, famous Troll's Tongue Rock in Norway.
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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

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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

American flag as people strike.
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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

Umayyad Mosque in Syria.
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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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