The Legatum Institute recently released its 2011 Prosperity Index which ranks countries according to a range of economic, governmental and personal freedom criteria.
Australia ranked:
- Third overall (ahead of both the US and the UK).
- First in educational opportunities.
- Fourth in personal freedom.
- Sixth in governance.
- Seventh in both economy and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Australia’s estimated average distribution is $40,816 per capita for gross domestic product, which is in part reflected in the high exchange rate with he Australian dollar generally trading stronger than the $US throughout 2011.
There are many independent lists released throughout the World, and Australia consistently ranks in the top three.