NationStates Jolt Archive

2005 Index of Economic Freedom (http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/countries.cfm)

So what does this mean to you?
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To me it means it's easier for a business to start-up and give jobs. It's more congruent with growth, and higher life expectancies. Property laws and law, are generally more respected as it gets higher on the list. Usually the per capita income is higher as well.

Generally speaking, there's a mucher higher level of middle class citizenry. These countries always seem to be the place of demand, while the ones on the bottom become less attractive to most people.

But sadly, I find that the countries that were most economically free are taking themselves out of the equation.

Looks like I should move to Hong Kong . . . US is 13th on the list . . .

Everyone knows Hong Kong and Singapore rule all. No list is needed.

nice that theyve decided that Northern Ireland has been given to the Republic

wonder why i didnt hear about that

That is really interesting...

Looks like I should move to Hong Kong . . . US is 13th on the list . . .

I don't know about that. China is encompassing Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world that has the closest thing to a free-banking system. Although China is slowly putting in regulations. If anyone has studied the real history of America's banks, they'll find a common future for Hong Kong's banks in the future.

They'll most likely dupe and find their way in. Most people don't seem to understand the free-banking system, anyways. Which is sad, because it's a small government savior.

economics freedom = freedom from taxes

HOW THE F**K DID NEW ZEALAND GET ABOVE AUSTRALIA!!!!!!! :mad:

It should be a f***ing state!

To me, economic freedom on the individual level means having the opportunity to rise to your level of optimum competence, whether that means as a professional, a manager in an existing organization, or starting your own business.

On a macro level, economic freedom means having monetary and economic systems which do not unduly restrict the flow of money, which allow an acceptable return on investment, which encourage innovation and creativity, and which do not place unduly restrictive limits on profit-making.

An additional note should be made that a society which rewards those who succeed should also provide minimal levels of support to those who cannot, for whatever reason.

Any site that can say

Brazil’s highly developed and efficient banking system
Source (http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Brazil)

can not be taken seriously by anyone who knows Brazil's banking system.

How the hell did Ireland get above the USA? Although our corporate tax rate is very low, income tax is average (for Europe) and business regulation is only slightly more liberal than most of Europe. We have nothing of the sort of total corporate freedom to be found in Texas, USA.

Economic Freedom to me means not having to pay for the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, health care, and basic comforts such as electricity. It means that my money can go to what I want, rather than to what I need.