Legatum Institute's 2014 Prosperity Index ranked Norway as the most prosperous country in the world, with Switzerland at number two on the list. Denmark took fourth, Sweden sixth and Finland eighth position in rank.

The rankings are based on eight variables of a country's prosperity performance:
•    Economy
•    Entrepreneurship
•    Governance
•    Education
•    Personal freedom
•    Health
•    Security
•    Social capital

Norway performed best on Social Capital and worst (7th) on Entrepreneurship and Opportunity.
The Nordic nation retained its number one spot from last year, as the top-ranking most prosperous country. New Zealand moved to third place, up two spots from 2013, while Russia slipped to Europe's worst performing country in 68th place.

The study, now in its eighth year, offers a unique insight into how prosperity is forming and changing across the world.
The Index takes into account 142 countries, representing more than 96 percent of the world’s population and 99 percent of global GDP.

Prosperity Index: Top 10

1. Norway
2. Switzerland
3. New Zealand
4. Denmark
5. Canada
6. Sweden
7. Australia
8. Finland
9. Netherlands
10. United States

See the full report: media.prosperity.com

Source: www.thelocal.no
Photo: City Tourist Board of Helsinki