These are richest and happiest countries in the world

Last week, a London based researcher, The Legatum Institute, released a survey that ranks the most prosperous – in both wealth and health – countries in the world. Does your country fit the bill?

Trey Ratcliff

New Zealand came first for both the capital and economic quality and second for business and governance, making it officially the most prosperous country on earth. It’s also been true that New Zealanders have a high quality of life; clean air, open space and a prosperous economy make for a life well lived.

For the past seven years of this survey, Norway has come out firmly on top as the most prosperous country on earth, particularly for its economic climate. This year however it closely lost out to New Zealand, ranking highest (in third place) in governance.

According to this survey, Finland has the best governance in the world. It’s climbed higher and higher as the years have gone on, moving from fifth to first place in governance his year, and safety and security came in an impressive third place.

Switzerland’s education is what helps raise it through the ranks. It was ranked first in the world for its fantastic education system, followed closely by its amazing healthcare. Quality of life is something that the Swiss take incredibly seriously, shown by these impressively high rankings.

It may (or may not) come as a surprise to hear that Canada comes a long way ahead of its sistering country, America, in every kind of rank on this poll. Coming in at an overall fifth place and finishing third for social capital and business and 2nd for personal freedom, the future of Canada certainly is bright.