The London-based Legatum Institute has issued its latest "Prosperity Index," once again placing Norway first in rankings that aim to reflect overall wealth, health, and happiness.
The index assesses 142 countries.
It is the fifth year in a row that the Norwegians have placed first, with Switzerland in second place, Canada in third, Sweden in fourth, and New Zealand rounding out the top five.
The United Sates is ranked 11th.
The head of the Legatum Institute, Jeffrey Gedmin, said that over the past five years "the world has seen a continuous increase in prosperity, with citizens in many countries experiencing improving wealth."
Legatum credits the increase to improvements in entrepreneurship, health, and education.
Some former Soviet countries scored relatively well in the index, including Kazakhstan (47), Belarus (58), Russia (61), Uzbekistan (63), and Ukraine (64).
Elsewhere, Iran is ranked at 101, Iraq at 130, and Afghanistan near the bottom at 139.
The index assesses 142 countries.
It is the fifth year in a row that the Norwegians have placed first, with Switzerland in second place, Canada in third, Sweden in fourth, and New Zealand rounding out the top five.
The United Sates is ranked 11th.
The head of the Legatum Institute, Jeffrey Gedmin, said that over the past five years "the world has seen a continuous increase in prosperity, with citizens in many countries experiencing improving wealth."
Legatum credits the increase to improvements in entrepreneurship, health, and education.
Some former Soviet countries scored relatively well in the index, including Kazakhstan (47), Belarus (58), Russia (61), Uzbekistan (63), and Ukraine (64).
Elsewhere, Iran is ranked at 101, Iraq at 130, and Afghanistan near the bottom at 139.