The world’s best and worst places to live are…

The UK-based Legatum Institute has just released its annual Prosperity Index, which ranks 142 countries across 89 variables under eight sub-indexes: the economy; entrepreneurship and opportunity; governance; education; health; safety and security; personal freedom; and social capital.

10 most prosperous countries

Norway has been ranked once again as the world’s most prosperous country.

1. Norway

2. Switzerland

3. Denmark

4. New Zealand

4. Sweden

6. Canada

7. Australia

8. Netherlands

9. Finland

10. Ireland

10 least prosperous countries

Central African Republic is ranked the least prosperous country.

142. Central African Republic

141. Afghanistan

140. Haiti

139. Chad

138. Burundi

137. Democratic Republic of the Congo

136. Syria

135. Yemen

134. Sudan

133. Angola

Top and bottom countries by the 8 sub-indexes

Hong Kong has been named the safest place in the world.

Economy

Best: Singapore

Worst: Liberia

Entrepreneurship and opportunity

Best: Sweden

Worst: Central African Republic

Governance

Best: Switzerland

Worst: Afghanistan

Education

Best: Australia

Worst: Central African Republic

Health

Best: USA

Worst: Central African Republic

Safety and security

Best: Hong Kong

Worst: Democratic Republic of Congo

Personal freedom

Best: Canada

Worst: Yemen

Social capital

Best: New Zealand

Worst: Togo