Index of Economic Freedom 2010
The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom documents a pattern of countries around the world holding true to the course of economic liberalization. The report provides ample evidence of the benefits of economic freedom, both to individuals and to societies. People in economically free societies live longer and healthier lives. They enjoy greater political freedom and can better defend their human rights. Economic freedom reduces poverty, opening the gates of prosperity to ever more people around the world.
The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom covers 183 countries around the world, ranking 179 of them with an economic freedom score based on 10 measures of economic openness, regulatory efficiency, the rule of law, and competitiveness. The basic principles of economic freedom emphasized in the Index are individual empowerment, equitable treatment, and the promotion of competition.