01 Norway

For the third year, Norway ranked no. 1. With per capita GDP of $54,000 it is among the richest in the world and ranks first in social capital and second in safety and security. 

 

02 Denmark

Denmark is no. 2 for the third year. The tiny country ranks first in entrepreneurship and opportunity, based on high levels of social equality, high 

 

connectivity and the world's lowest start-up costs. 

 

03 Australia

Australia has moved up from fifth place in 2009, the result of excellent education, an efficient government bureaucracy and booming trade in natural resources. 

 

04 New Zealand

New Zealand ranks no. 2 in governance, education and personal freedom. No country ranks higher in tolerance for immigrants. (Image of artist Grand Hughes, Napier, N.Z.). 

 

05 Sweden

High levels of political participation and social equality combine with environmental protection and 123 mobile phones per 100 people to create a tech-savvy socialist paradise. 

 

06 Canada

The most prosperous nation in the Americas, Canada ranks first in personal freedom. As befitting a giant landmass with only 30 million people, Canada is very tolerant and welcoming.

 

07 Finland

As with its Scandinavian sisters, religion is an afterthought in Finland, with just 13% attending church; yet it ranks 3rd in education and entrepreneurship. 

 

08 Switzerland

Number 1 in governance, 2nd in health and economy. Sticking with the Franc rather than going Euro has helped make Switzerland a bastion of stability in shaky Europe right now.

 

09 Netherlands

A robust democracy with broad civil liberties and lots of social cohesion, 90% of the Dutch report deriving daily enjoyment from their natural surroundings. 

 

10 United States

An excellent place to start a business, the U.S. also ranks no. 1 in health, a function of high immunizations, clean water and the highest levels of gov't spending on healthcare. 

 

11 Ireland

Ireland ranks 35 in economy, with citizens expressing no faith in financial institutions and pessimistic about jobs. That's balanced out by a no. 3 ranking in safety and security. 

 

12 Iceland

Remote Iceland is first in safety and security and third in health. Its economy has collapsed to 71st place. 

 

13 United Kingdom

Stagnant economy and little confidence in the financial sector, but the U.K. is relatively well governed and a decent place to be an entrepreneur. 

 

14 Austria

More than 90% of Austrians are happy with their ability to choose the course of their lives, yet only 62% think it is a welcoming country for immigrants. 

 

15 Germany

With 81 million people, Germany is Europe's biggest country. GDP per capita is $37,000. 

 

16 Singapore

Singapore ranks no. 1 in economic measures, with a leading per capita GDP of $59,000. The streets are the world's safest. 

 

17 Belgium

Surprising that Belgium ranks as high as 17 given that it just took the country's rival French- and Dutch-speaking halves 541 days to form a new government.

 

18 France

France ranks 7th in health care, but 36th in social capital, with very low levels of marriage and religious observance. 

 

19 Hong Kong

Economy is ranked 4th; savings rate of nearly 30%. 

 

20 Taiwan

Ranked 9th in education, 12th in economics. Taiwan just edges out Japan in the rankings. 

 

 

90 Mali

Now the the 20 worst. Mail has nearly the worst education system in the world, high infant mortality, nonexistent entrepreneurship. And there's still 19 countries worse off. 

 

91 India

Lousy healthcare, ethnic strife and only 21% of Indians feel they can trust others. 

 

92 Senegal

Literacy rate at 50%, per capita GDP is $1,900. Only 55% have mobile phones. 

 

93 Nepal

No basis for economic growth; very little internet connectivity, yet 96% feel hard work will pay off. 

 

94 Cambodia

Only 9% of Cambodians believe they can trust others. Political repression has spurred emigration. 

 

95 Bangladesh

Despite intractable economic and social problems, Bangladeshis are optimistic, religious and enjoy a high level of marriage. 

 

96 Tanzania

Life expectancy is 45. GDP per capita of $1,500. Classes average 54 students per teacher.

 

97 Iran

Theocratic rule with few rights or opportunities. Professionals flee the country. 

 

98 Rwanda

High inflation, 43-year life expectancy, only 56% say they have someone to rely on in times of need. 

 

99 Cameroon

Ineffective, undemocratic government; 20% suffer malnutrition; GDP per capita $2,200. 

 

100 Uganda

Exceptionally bad healthcare; only 66% of kids get vaccinated. Brain drain.

 

101 Zambia

Life expectancy of 40 years, high incidence of tuberculosis, less than 40% have a mobile phone. 

 

102 Kenya

Widespread corruption, many cannot afford food and shelter, only 15% trust the electoral process.

 

103 Mozambique

Only 17% have access to adequate sanitation facilities; ineffective education with average 61 pupils per teacher. 

 

104 Nigeria

Oil wealth squandered by pronounced corruption and social inequality. Immunization rates of only 42%. 

 

105 Sudan

Political upheaval has split the country in the wake of civil war; vast unemployment. 

 

106 Yemen

Civil unrest, few liberties, little education for girls. Only a third report any form of employment. (Click here to return to story.)

 

107 Pakistan

Ineffective, unstable government. Very dangerous, intolerant of outsiders. 

 

108 Ethiopia

Literacy is just 30%; undernourishment 40%; unemployment rate 20%. 

 

109 Zimbabwe

Inept, corrupt, kleptocracy. No civil rights. Pervasive political violence. 

 

110 Central African Republic

The worst. More than 10% of children die in their first year. Classes average 91 students per teacher. No foundation for future growth.