Which Countries Set the Best Examples?

Jeanne Townsend, our Branch International Chair, sent along a link she received from Peggy Kelland, NYS International Affairs Director. Jeanne commented in her request that we post a link, "This references a very interesting paper with lots of statistics that members might find interesting. "

Which Countries Set the Best Examples?: "International political organizations count about 193 countries. Which ones set the best examples to the rest of the world? Which ones would we do best to copy, to emulate and to admire for their foresight, hard work and long-term conscience? Which countries would have humanity survive gleaming into a clean, happy, bright future? Who are tardy on humanitarian issues, science or development?"

The charts provide interesting browsing. For example, on the Gender Equality Scale, the US isn't even listed among the top fifteen countries. We're 29th in Quality of Life, and dropped from second (2004-5) to sixth (2006) in the list of Most Competitive Economies.

Do take a look. And, consider the way each of the indices is constructed. See whether you agree.