The Netherlands ranks 9th in Legatum Prosperity Index
03 Dec 2010
The Legatum Prosperity Index is the world's global assessment of wealth and wellbeing. The index produces rankings based upon the very foundations of prosperity; those factors that will help drive economic growth and produce happy citizens over the long term.
Eight categories
Jiehae Choi, who manages the production of the index, has devised eight foundations that he believes countries need in order for them to be prosperous. These eight categories are: economy, entrepreneurship and opportunity, governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom, and social capital.
One of the key findings in the Prosperity Index 2010 is that 'choice and opportunity matter more to happiness than making a lot of money quickly’. The Netherlands ranks 9th in the index, because of these findings:
- The Netherlands performs very well on most macroeconomic variables and many people have confidence in the financial sector.
- The Netherlands offers a strong environment for entrepreneurs, as well as excellent access to mobile phones and internet bandwidth.
- The Netherlands is an effective and robust democracy, offering high protection for political rights and civil liberties.
- The Dutch are satisfied with the education system, though the primary pupil-to-teacher ratio is below the global average.
- Life expectancy and satisfaction with health are both high among the Dutch, although some survey results indicate cause for concern.
- The Netherlands has little political insecurity and people feel relatively safe in their everyday lives.
- The Netherlands has high levels of personal freedom, although tolerance levels of minorities can improve.
- The Netherlands is a socially cohesive country with strong levels of civic engagement in society.
You can find more detailed information on the Legatum Prosperity Index website.