The Fraser Institute: News Release; Canada Continues to Lead the United States in Economic Freedom While Hong Kong …

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 18, 2013) - Canada is again ranked among the world's most economically free countries, placing eighth overall and well ahead of the United States in 17th spot, according to the Fraser Institute's annual Economic Freedom of the World report.

Canada's ranking is down slightly to 7.93 compared to 7.97 last year, when it tied with Australia to place fifth globally.

"Canada has consistently ranked among the top 10 countries for economic freedom, a testament to its strong record of enacting policies that support economic growth, job creation, and prosperity," said Fred McMahon, co-author of the Economic Freedom of the World: 2013 Annual Report.

"Unfortunately for the United States, we've seen overspending, weakening rule of law, and regulatory overkill on the part of the U.S. government, causing its economic freedom score to plummet in recent years. This is a stark contrast from 2000, when the U.S. was considered a bastion of economic freedom and ranked second globally."

Hong Kong again topped the rankings of 151 countries this year, followed by Singapore, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

Research shows that people living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties, and longer life spans.

"The link between economic freedom and prosperity is undeniable: the nations with the most economic freedom also offer people the best quality of life. Compare the bottom-ranked countries, where oppressive regimes deny their citizens opportunities for economic growth and personal freedom," McMahon said.

The annual Economic Freedom of the World report is the premier measurement of economic freedom, using 42 distinct variables to create an index ranking of countries around the world based on policies that encourage economic freedom. The cornerstones of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and security of private property. Economic freedom is measured in five different areas: (1) size of government, (2) legal structure and security of property rights, (3) access to sound money, (4) freedom to trade internationally, and (5) regulation of credit, labour, and business.

International rankings

Hong Kong has the highest level of economic freedom worldwide, with a score of 8.97 out of 10, followed by Singapore (8.73), New Zealand (8.49), Switzerland (8.30), United Arab Emirates (8.07), Mauritius (8.01), Finland (7.98), Canada and Bahrain (each 7.93), and Australia (7.88).

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The Fraser Institute: News Release; Canada Continues to Lead the United States in Economic Freedom While Hong Kong ...