More than ever, the importance of economic freedom—an individual’s natural right to own the value of what he or she creates—would seem to be anything but controversial. People crave liberation from poverty, and they hunger for the dignity of free will to choose.

The 2016 Index of Economic Freedom, the 22nd edition, once again provides ample evidence of the benefits of eco­nomic freedom, both to individuals and to soci­eties. People in economically free societies have better jobs and are less likely to live in poverty. They live longer and have healthier lives. They enjoy greater political freedom and can better defend their human rights. Economic freedom is a critical element of life that transcends the market, opening the gates of greater well-being to ever more people around the world.

The Heritage Foundation 2016