New Zealand ranked world's second most prosperous country
The Legatum Prosperity Index 2018, which compares 149 countries, was released on Wednesday (local time).
The index is based on nine 'pillars of prosperity': economic quality, business environment, governance, personal freedom, social capital, safety and security, education, health and the natural environment. Norway took out the top spot, with Finland, Switzerland and Denmark rounding out the top five. New Zealand has been ranked first since 2014, but our relatively low rankings in economic quality (14th), education (18th) and health (17th) meant we slipped down to second this year. But all things considered, we're doing well. We're the highest-ranked country in the world for social capital, which the report describes as "the strength of personal and social relationships, social norms and civic participation in a country". We're number two in business environment, governance and personal freedom, and fourth in natural environment. Our worst area is safety and security, in which we ranked 24th behind countries like Australia, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Down the other end of the scale, the world's least prosperous country is Afghanistan, who also ranks last in social capital. The Legatum Institute says its key global finding for 2018 is that prosperity is growing, but not equally.
==========================================================
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
69.5% Nah - not for me
🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓
Send us your tricky puzzles!
Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better
Hey neighbours,
Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.
It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.
Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...
Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day
Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!
Loading…
