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.
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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?
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10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
Suspicious Guy
Keep an eye on this guy, pretended to read the water meter, then wandered up the drive crowbar in hand when I asked what he wanted he said power and is there a dog.We have smart meters. He opened my neighbours gate (we are 3 units) and went in the back of her place with his crowbar. My son went round there and he took off. Police informed.
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