9. Iceland
Fraiser 2012 – 8.40/10
Cato 2013 – 8.12/10
Freedom House 2016 – 100/100
Despite major setbacks like Icelandic financial crisis in 2008 and this year’s involvement of Prime Minister Gunnlaugsson in the Panama Papers scandal, it’s quite a success for this non-EU country to end up on this list of freest countries in the world. However, one (or two) swallow(s) doesn’t make a summer. Icelanders were first to elect female and openly gay Prime Minister thus showing nation’s equal approach to both men and women, and homosexuals as well. In addition, one shouldn’t be surprised if an Iceland gal makes a first move in the game of dating. With 97.6% of the population using an internet connection, it’s quite amazing that more than 80% still believe in elves. It must be the consequence of a carefree life without hardly any crimes – policemen don’t carry guns while strolling through Reykjavík. What is even more interesting is that Iceland doesn’t have an army and navy – their freedom is preserved with the Icelandic Coast Guard.
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