In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 freest countries in the world. To read our detailed analysis of the freest countries, you can go directly to see the 25 Freest Countries In the World.
5. Ireland
Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 9.3
Business Freedom Index score 2022: 8.7
Average score: 9.00
Ireland is an island nation located in Western Europe. The country ranked 8th in the 2022 World Bank’s Human Capital Index, which measures a country’s investment in its people’s health and education indicating a strong commitment to human capital development. As a part of the European Union, it follows the mandates set by the EU regarding the right to expression and belief. In 2022, it had 7 million international tourists and is statistically one of Europe’s safest travel destinations. As of 2022, it had a Human Freedom Index score of 8.70.
4. Denmark
Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 9.17
Business Freedom Index score 2022: 8.9
Average score: 9.04
Denmark ranks high in all lists which look at economic and human freedom. Its constitution considers human rights to be the basis of progress which is why freedom of speech and belief are heavily protected in the country. It also ranks very highly in all metrics regarding rule of law which is why it was ranked 1st out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index. Denmark boasts a high level of gender equality, with a Gender Gap Index score of 0.773 out of 1.0 in 2021. Minority groups such as those in the LGBT community are guaranteed equal rights along with freedom of belief, religion, and speech which helped it get a Human Freedom Index score of 8.72.
3. Luxembourg
Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 9.23
Business Freedom Index score 2022: 8.9
Average score: 9.07
Luxembourg had the highest GDP per capita in the world in both 20220 as well as 2021. Along with the economic freedom that this implies, Luxembourg is also fairly advanced in terms of literacy rates and civil rights. Same-sex marriage as well as gender changes are legal in Luxembourg which led to a high Human Freedom Index score of 8.53.
2. Finland
Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 9.33
Business Freedom Index score 2022: 8.9
Average score: 9.12
In the 2021 World Press Freedom Index report, Finland was ranked first, meaning it allows its media to run with minimal censorship. Finland also has a high level of education, with a literacy rate of 100%, and constitutionally protects the freedom of religion, association, and speech. According to The Guardian, Finland has the most independent judicial system, the most trusted police, and the second most ethical companies in the world. ILGA also claims that Finland’s LGBT legislation is one of the most extensive in Europe. As of 2022, it has a Human Freedom Index score of 8.62.
1. Norway
Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 9.17
Business Freedom Index score 2022: 9.1
Average score: 9.14
Norway ranks second in the 2022 Human Development Index, which measures a country’s progress in terms of health, education, and standard of living. Norway also has a high GDP per capita, which was over $74,000 in 2021, and a low unemployment rate of 3.2% as of November 2022. It also has a very independent judicial system and is ranked 1st out of 139 countries in terms of rule of law by the World Justice Project. The freedom of the press is granted by the constitution and has historically been ranked well. Active efforts are being made to increase acceptance including a four-year action plan launched by the government to protect LGBTQ rights.
See also 15 Most Advanced Countries in the World and 25 Smartest Countries in the World.
