These Countries Are More Free Than the United States
These Countries Are More Free Than the United States
Today, freedom is embodied in individual, civil, and political liberties such as democracy, accessible healthcare, cultural values, financial security, and education.
While many might assume that the United States lives up to ‘the land of the free,’ recent data suggests otherwise. According to Wikipedia’s 2023 freedom report, which is compiled from indexes around the world, the U.S. scored 83, indicating that many other countries surpass it in terms of freedom. Let’s explore the countries that uphold more freedoms than the U.S.
58. Monaco

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 84
Monaco offers a high quality of life, low unemployment, and zero percent poverty rates. While the cost of living is on the higher side, notably because of their tax haven status, citizens in the Monaco population have one of the longest life expectancies in the world — 87 years! Monaco is also recognized for its strong economy, real estate market, and tourism.
57. São Tomé and Príncipe
Freedom Score = 84
Named after its two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, this island country has a high freedom score due to its civil liberties, despite its financial instability. The core of its economy depends on plantation agriculture, with small-scale industrialization and fishing also playing important roles in its growth.
56. Mongolia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 84
Situated in East Asia, Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world and is known for its nomadic culture. Mongolia upholds civil liberties that even the U.S. does not, such as free and universal healthcare. However, Mongolia is a lower-middle-income country and does experience financial instability and challenges with poverty. The economy of Mongolia is primarily driven by agriculture and mining.
55. Croatia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 84
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is situated in Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia is known for being one of the safest countries in the world. Croatia’s civil liberties give its citizens a great sense of freedom by providing tuition-free education at public universities.
54. Antigua and Barbuda

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 85
Antigua and Barbuda is a small, independent country made up of two islands in the Caribbean. The economy has faced challenges and has a major reliance on tourism. Despite this, the country provides civil liberties, and the citizens enjoy a relatively high quality of life. The government promotes cultural freedom, free education, transportation, and medical care. However, it remains vulnerable to high sea levels due to its geographical location and the impacts of adverse climate change.
53. Argentina

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 85
Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, holds a prominent position in global affairs and has consistently been ranked among the wealthiest nations, ensuring high living standards as well as a relatively low cost of living. The country’s economy is driven by manufacturing, agricultural exports, natural resources, and a thriving tourism industry. Argentina’s success is underlined by its educated population and diversified industrialization, creating pathways to success.
52. Mauritius

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 85
Mauritius is a multicultural island country located in the Indian Ocean and is deemed the safest country in Africa. Mauritius is also regularly considered Africa’s most robust democracy. The inclusive atmosphere welcomes all ethnic groups and respects each other’s cultures and religions.
Compared to other African economies, Mauritius’s economy is stable and diversified, driven by sectors such as tourism, financial services, and information technology. Furthermore, free education, accessible healthcare, and finally decriminalizing same-sex relationships have enhanced the living standards of its citizens.
51. Greece

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 86
Greece, located in Southeast Europe, boasts a Mediterranean lifestyle and a lower cost of living. It stands out as an appealing country for foreign investors in the Balkans. Greece has a well-established economy and democratic system, contributing significantly to public freedom. They hold a deep cultural heritage and take care of their citizens by providing a public healthcare system and a laid-back lifestyle.
50. Belize

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 87
Belize is located in Central America and is home to many different ethnicities. As a multiethnic country, Belize is known for its diverse culture and accepting environment. Their economy is focused on tourism, agriculture, and other services. Belize is committed to providing quality healthcare, with a strong focus on enhancing accessibility for its citizens. Belize has recently taken a significant step towards this by removing all fees charged in public hospitals, reinforcing their dedication to inclusive healthcare.
49. Latvia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 88
Latvia prides itself on a high annual income and is located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. While its democratic system is not fully dominant, the government has still made an effort to grant economic and civil liberties to its citizens such as press freedom, privacy, and human rights. However, recent observations indicate a financial crisis due to an increase in domestic consumption and privatization of corporations.
48. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 89
The country, as its name suggests, consists of two islands: Saint Kitts and Nevis, and is located in the West Indies. Despite its island setting and freedom score, the standard of living remains modest due to its underdeveloped economy. The economy is dominated by tourism, contributing to about one-third of the country’s GDP.
47. Grenada
Freedom Score = 89
Situated in the West Indies, Grenada offers freedoms that the United States lacks, including access to free primary healthcare. However, economic stability is questionable. A significant portion of its national production relies on tourism and the export of crops, mainly nutmeg, as the world’s second-largest producer after Indonesia.
46. Malta

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 89
Situated in Southern Europe, Malta doesn’t have the best economy, yet it still manages to achieve an impressive 89 freedom score, providing more than enough religious and civil liberties for its citizens. With its beautiful beaches and warm climate, Malta is increasingly becoming a dream destination for tourists. Apart from tourism, the country benefits from its abundant limestone natural resources, which significantly contribute to its annual production. However, Malta faces a unique challenge as its aquifers are in direct contact with seawater and have limited abstraction capacity, creating issues for its economic growth.
45. France

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 89
France is known as the most visited country in the world. The economy is well-developed, and the country actively engages in global affairs. Its diversified economy has effectively curbed the unemployment rate, improving the quality of life for its citizens. The major sectors contributing to its economic production include service, agriculture, and industrialization. Moreover, workers in France are entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation each year, in addition to public holidays.
44. Lithuania

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 89
Lithuania is a small European country located on the Baltic Sea with a population of less than 3 million. It’s considered a high-income economy with a significant portion of its GDP generated from the services sector, as well as industry and agriculture. While Lithuania shares many fundamental freedoms with the U.S., they do have some that are stronger or more progressive including more comprehensive data privacy laws, universal healthcare, and generous maternity and parental leave.
43. Liechtenstein

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 90
Although Liechtenstein is among the smallest nations in the world, its citizens enjoy significantly higher incomes compared to many other countries. Liechtenstein has an exceptional quality of life, where families, singles, and couples alike find value in everything being close by and easily accessible. They also provide modern infrastructure, impressive education, and universal healthcare, contributing to one of the world’s highest life expectancies, averaging 82.7 years.
42. Italy

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 90
Italy proudly holds the title of the second-largest manufacturing powerhouse in Europe, having a significant influence on the global economy. Regarding public rights, Italy’s freedom score of 90 is partly due to offering its citizens access to universal healthcare and tuition-free education at public universities, ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
41. Spain

Photo Credit: BearFotos / Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 90
Spain is located in Southwest Europe and has a strong economy with well-established government institutions and manufacturing sectors. Spain says they are deeply committed to human rights and civil freedoms. However, despite the significant freedoms in the country, Spain has struggled with a rising unemployment rate in recent years. Furthermore, its educational institutions are often cited as among the poorest in the world.
40. Slovakia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 90
Slovakia, located in Central Europe, has a high-income economy primarily driven by its automotive, electronics, engineering, tourism, and service industries. The country’s commitment to providing access to social security, free education, and universal healthcare.
Slovakia also consistently excels in various areas including civil liberties, press freedom, peacefulness, high living standards, and safety. There’s more – Slovakia stands out for its strong support for families, offering one of the most generous parental leave policies, which extends until the child is three years old.
39. Kiribati

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 91
Kiribati, an island country in Micronesia, initially depended on natural phosphate deposits for its economy, but their depletion drastically decreased its annual income, making it one of the lowest GDP-producing countries.
Despite its high freedom score for political rights and civil liberties, Kiribati faces significant health challenges. Maternal and infant mortality rates are among the highest in the Pacific, malnutrition is common, and water contamination issues remain a pressing issue.
38. The Bahamas

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 91
The Bahamas, located in the North Atlantic, is an island country with the third-largest annual economy in America. Tourism plays a key role, constituting up to 70 percent of its economic output. The presence of tourism-based companies has significantly reduced unemployment rates in The Bahamas. Additionally, the offshore financial sector is another important sector in its economy. The Bahamas are also recognized for their high standards of healthcare and education.
37. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 91
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a southern Caribbean nation with a respectable freedom score and civil liberties upheld, but several challenges are present. The country relies heavily on agriculture to sustain its economy, particularly banana production. However, the lack of infrastructure and investment in new manufacturing industries has increased unemployment and hindered economic development. It’s also important to note that same-sex marriage remains illegal in the country.
36. Costa Rica

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 91
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a thriving democratic republic with a highly educated population, investing over six percent of its yearly income in education. The country’s economy relies on agriculture, finance, and pharmaceutical services.
Costa Rica has low crime rates and universal healthcare and is also known for its dedication to environmental protection and sustainability. Through the establishment of national parks, protected areas, and initiatives promoting renewable energy, the country actively conserves its natural resources.
35. Palau

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
Palau is an island country nestled in the azure waters of the Western Pacific. Despite being a small developing country, it has an impressive economy, with tourism as its main industry. Agriculture also plays an important role in the nation’s GDP. Moreover, the quality of life in Palau is considered remarkably high, known for its pristine natural environment, welcoming locals, low crime rates, and overall peaceful atmosphere.
34. Federated States of Micronesia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
The Federated States of Micronesia is spread across the western Pacific Ocean comprising more than 600 islands and made up of four total island states. Its focus on preserving cultural heritage, protecting the environment, and maintaining political stability contributes to the country’s freedom score and quality of life for citizens.
However, the economy is predominantly reliant on agriculture and farming, while the lack of infrastructure takes away its appeal as a tourist destination, unlike many other island nations that benefit from tourism revenue. Despite its high freedom score, it’s disheartening to note that FSM lacks national legislation criminalizing domestic violence or sexual assault.
33. Saint Lucia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
Saint Lucia is one of the healthier Caribbean countries with a well-educated population and improved infrastructure. These factors attract foreign investors, potentially boosting its underdeveloped economy, which heavily relies on the service sector, comprising over 80 percent of its GDP. Saint Lucia’s high freedom score is a result of its stable political environment, strong legal protections, active civil society engagement, and commitment to human rights principles.
32. Cabo Verde

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
The Republic of Cabo Verde, formerly known as Cape Verde, is an archipelago and island country in West Africa. It’s one of the most liberated countries in the central Atlantic Ocean. Although Verde is not classified as a wealthy country, the quality of life ranks highest in the United Nations Index of West Africa. The country is also recognized for its significant strides in poverty reduction; the proportion of its population living in extreme poverty fell from 22.6 percent in 2015 to 11.1 percent in 2022 through stronger social protection policies.
Cabo Verde’s economy is dependent on industrialization and tourism, with the latter accounting for a major proportion of its GDP.
31. Cyprus

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
Cyprus, located in the Middle East, is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. The residents here enjoy a high standard of living as well as a high income. In fact, the Cypriots are among the most prosperous people in the Mediterranean region. Cyprus also provides its citizens with high-quality healthcare, an affordable cost of living, and low crime rates.
Initially, it was among the wealthiest countries, but the country’s economy was significantly affected by a banking crisis and is still in the process of regaining strength.
30. Czech Republic

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 92
The Czech Republic, located in central Europe, provides fundamental rights for its citizens, offering free education and universal healthcare. The country experienced a significant transformation in the nineteenth century through industrialization, resulting in a high annual income, primarily driven by manufacturing industries. Despite maintaining a stable economy, the Czech Republic is still not considered wealthy and struggles with income disparities.
29. Tuvalu

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 93
Tuvalu, an island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean, ranks high for freedom but faces several serious challenges. Medical and dental care are very limited, and the economy is struggling. The island’s soil is unsuitable for agriculture, leading Tuvalu to depend on imported food, mainly fish, for sustenance. Its location and vulnerability to climate change also pose risks including the threat of rising sea levels.
28. Marshall Islands

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 93
The Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are predominantly water, with approximately 97.87 percent of the area occupied by the ocean. The country faces economic instability primarily due to the lack of natural resources. Its annual income largely depends on industrialization and a small portion of agriculture.
Despite scoring higher than the United States in political rights and civil liberties, the country remains in a vulnerable state. The residents of the Marshall Islands face a grave existential threat; their homes are at risk of becoming uninhabitable as early as the 2030s due to climate change.
27. Andorra

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 93
Andorra, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is known for its great quality of life and having the fifth highest life expectancy. It’s also in the top spots on the lists of healthiest countries and the best healthcare systems in the world. Economically, Andorra is a developed and free market economy with finance, retail, and tourism serving as key drivers. Andorra’s per capita income exceeds its neighbors Spain and France as well as European averages as a whole.
26. Dominica

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 93
Dominica, an island nation in the Caribbean, has a government that provides citizens with great human rights and civil liberties. However, Dominica is considered one of the poorer countries in the Eastern Caribbean, with economic development lagging behind. Currently, Dominica relies heavily on agriculture, particularly bananas, while also experiencing growth in the financial services industry and passport sales.
Aside from its economic challenges, Dominica has been ranked first in life expectancy in the Caribbean and third globally for offering citizenship by investment. Additionally, the country maintains a very low crime rate, contributing to its reputation as a safe place.
25. Austria

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 93
Austria, located in Central Europe, has a robust democratic system that offers its citizens an excellent standard of living. The Industrial Revolution, coupled with the country’s largest film industry, has played a significant role in shaping Austria’s financial and social landscape. In addition to these influences, Austria’s highly developed economy, which ranks among the fourteen richest in the world in terms of GDP per capita, is driven by key sectors including services, industry, agriculture, and tourism.
Austria’s reputation for safety is underscored by its ranking as the ninth-safest country globally, according to the Global Peace Index. The country maintains a low crime rate, a high-quality healthcare system, and a stable political environment.
24. United Kingdom

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 93
The United Kingdom, located in Northwestern Europe, has the sixth-largest economy globally, with its developed monetary system stemming from the Industrial Revolution. The UK also ranks among the largest service exporters.
Regarding civil liberties, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides an excellent standard of care, with the healthcare system ranking 18th overall in the 2024 World Index of Health Innovation. In terms of education, British-style schooling has produced impressive results, with national average statistics indicating that most children educated in the UK are at least a year ahead of their US counterparts in math and language proficiency.
23. Barbados

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 94
Barbados is an Eastern Caribbean island country with strong economic and democratic freedoms for its citizens. Barbados is the wealthiest and one of the most developed countries in the Eastern Caribbean with one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Historically, its economy was dependent on sugarcane cultivation, and now has a diversified economy with key drivers including tourism, international business, and foreign direct investment. The island is also known for its high-quality healthcare system and low crime rate.
22. Chile

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 94
Chile, located in South America, provides its citizens with a peaceful social environment and upholds a dominant democratic system that prioritizes public rights. Chile stands out for two distinctive attributes: its independent judicial system, placing it among the top free countries, and having one of the lowest levels of corruption in Latin America. It also has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a low poverty level.
21. Germany

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 94
Germany is home to the largest European economy and consistently ranks among the top three importer and exporter countries worldwide. Germany’s economy thrives on technology and science-based corporations. The country also excels in public sectors such as healthcare and higher education.
In terms of personal freedoms, Germany is known for its emphasis on good work-life balance. The country prioritizes flexible working hours and provides excellent recreational opportunities, contributing to one of the highest qualities of life globally. Employees benefit from a maximum working time of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week.
20. Iceland

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 94
Iceland is a Nordic island country with an advanced economy that centers around tourism, fishing, and aluminum smelting. The country’s support of civil liberties is evident through its consistently high rankings in quality of life, safety, and happiness worldwide. Iceland takes pride in its high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems, and clean environment. It also has the smallest homeless population in Europe. But that’s not all – Iceland also shines in gender equality, leading the world with the smallest overall gender gap!
19. Taiwan

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 94
Taiwan, one of the most densely populated East Asian countries, prioritizes high healthcare standards and civil liberties for its citizens, thus significantly enhancing the overall quality of life. Its education system is also considered top-notch; native students constantly graduate from high school with some of the best grades in the world. Its economy is dependent on exports, particularly in key sectors including electronics, machinery, and chemicals.
18. Estonia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 94
Estonia, located in Northern Europe, prioritizes public freedom by placing a strong emphasis on high-level education, universal healthcare, and environmental conservation. Nature reserves comprise approximately one-fifth of Estonia’s wilderness, ensuring preservation for future generations.
Estonia also stands out for its dedication to families. It offers one of the most comprehensive maternity leave packages globally, providing over a year of maternity leave for employees. New mothers can take up to 86 weeks off before and after childbirth, with 20 of these weeks paid at 100 percent of their salary.
17. Slovenia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 95
Slovenia, located in Central Southern Europe, supports its citizens’ freedoms in many ways. It has the lowest income disparities in the world, excellent work-life balance, strong community ties, and universal healthcare. Its economy is predominantly supported by foreign trade, contributing significantly to its GDP.
16. Australia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 95
Australia, the sixth largest and one of the oldest countries globally, is also one of the wealthiest nations. Its strong economy is fueled by abundant natural resources, notably possessing the world’s second-largest accessible reserves of iron ore. Australia is consistently ranked highly for quality of life, healthcare, education, and economic freedom.
15. Japan

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 96
Statistics repeatedly show that Japan, an East Asian nation, gives its citizens a high quality of life, particularly regarding health and safety. Its safety is recognized internationally, with the State Department ranking it at level-one status, reserved for the safest countries globally. Japan also has the highest life expectancy at birth worldwide and the lowest infant mortality rate.
However, Japan does struggle with a declining population due to a decreasing birth rate. Despite this demographic challenge, the country maintains economic strength and stability. Key industries that drive the economy forward include agriculture and fishing, manufacturing, and tourism.
14. Uruguay

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 96
Uruguay shines as a distinguished South American country, marked by its transformation from dictatorship to democracy. The country is focused on initiatives aimed at income distribution and reduction of corruption, with the goal of prosperity for its citizens. Uruguay’s well-developed infrastructure and social progress are some other factors boosting its economic success.
Uruguay is well known for its low levels of poverty, its higher income per capita, and excellent healthcare and education systems. It’s generally committed to the protection of human rights and is recognized as the most rights-conscious nation in South America. However, there are still concerns including inhumane prison facilities and ongoing discrimination towards women.
13. Belgium

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 96
Belgium is the sixth most densely populated country in Europe. Its extensive network of transportation has made it the economic hub among European countries, with a reliance on the trading market. Belgium’s high-productivity workforce is also considered to contribute to the country’s income significantly.
In terms of freedoms, the Belgian population has access to high-quality healthcare, resulting in good health outcomes and a long life expectancy. The level of individual and household wealth is also the highest in the world. However, there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium, including Brussels, requiring a degree of caution among its population and visitors.
12. Portugal

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 96
Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest countries and stands out for its social prosperity, financial stability, and public satisfaction. The high quality of life present is underpinned by Portugal’s dedication to upholding civil liberties, protecting human rights, and providing excellent healthcare, specifically one of the best. Portugal also has an exceptional sense of safety and security. It’s one of the safest countries globally; according to the 2022 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranked as the sixth safest country in the world.
11. Switzerland

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 96
Switzerland is a mountainous, landlocked country in Europe with one of the highest quality of life, paired with the highest cost of living. The country is one of the top GDP-producing countries globally, with most of its economy reliant on technology-related industries.
The country has also been recognized as one of the least corrupt countries and has extensive public services. Swiss culture is characterized by its emphasis on health and vitality.
10. San Marino

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 97
San Marino is the oldest republic in Europe and the fifth smallest country on the map. Don’t be fooled, this tiny country and approximately 34,000 citizen population is among the world’s wealthiest countries. The economy is a developed free market focused on industries including tourism, banking, and manufacturing.
The average lifespan of San Marino is 87 years, one of the highest in the world. The country is known for its peaceful way of living, high-quality universal healthcare, and great education.
9. Luxembourg

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 97
Luxembourg is a small nation in Western Europe, with a diverse demographic where foreigners make up over 48 percent – nearly half – of its population. Luxembourg’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens is evident in its impressive increase in life expectancy, which has jumped by 11 years since 1960.
The country has successfully navigated various challenges, including reducing inflation rates, addressing unemployment, and ultimately earning the status of the world’s second-richest country. Luxembourg initially relied on steel manufacturing for its prosperity and is now known as Europe’s most powerful investment management center.
8. Netherlands

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 97
The Netherlands, located in northwestern Europe, is known for its remarkable quality of life that continues to be acknowledged on a global scale. In 2024, it ranked second for overall quality of life worldwide. This high quality of life, coupled with a high freedom score is due to an achievable cost of living, low crime rates, accessible healthcare, reasonable commute times, and a commitment to environmental quality.
The Netherlands is also celebrated for its liberal approach to issues such as drug regulation, euthanasia, and LGBTQ+ rights. In terms of its economy, The Netherlands is home to abundant natural resources that hold international value and is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products. It has been recognized as the fifth most competitive economy globally.
7. Denmark

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 97
Located in Northern Europe, Denmark maintains a high standard of living for its citizens. Year after year, Denmark ranks among the top three happiest countries worldwide. The happy country is known for its equal income distribution and comprehensive employee rights.
The country’s robust social welfare system ensures universal access to healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, and other essential social services. Economically, industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical-related instruments, and food products play pivotal roles in Denmark’s thriving economy.
6. Ireland

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 97
Ireland is located on the westernmost edge of Europe and consistently earns a reputation for having the highest quality of life among European countries. Factors contributing to this reputation and high freedom score include universal healthcare, paid parental leave, subsidized childcare, and robust employment opportunities. The country’s economy is predominantly driven by the technical sectors, with significant contributions from foreign trade. With its high GDP, Ireland is recognized as one of the wealthiest countries.
5. Canada

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 98
Canada, located in North America, is a world leader in the production of many natural resources, which has boosted international trade and annual production. In terms of well-being, Canada excels across various categories including income, job opportunities, education, healthcare, subsidized childcare, paid parental leave, environmental quality, and overall life satisfaction. Canada also maintains strict gun control laws with a regulated process for obtaining firearms as well as limitations on civilian firearm ownership, creating a safer environment.
4. New Zealand

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 99
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean with a well-developed economy and trade market driven primarily by manufacturing. Their economic strength has effectively reduced unemployment rates and led to financial stability. New Zealand has a history of pioneering personal freedoms; it was the first nation in the world to grant women the right to vote, enshrining women’s suffrage in law in 1893. Today, New Zealand remains dedicated to upholding civil liberties, evident in its freedom score, and is recognized as a safe and progressive nation.
3. Finland

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 100
Finland is located in Northern Europe and is the third-best country in the world for both freedoms and quality of life. Finland’s social welfare system is comprehensive, providing universal access to healthcare, education, and social services. The country focuses on transparency and accountability in governance and politics. Finland also respects human rights and has a criminal justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and prevention, resulting in lower crime rates and better outcomes for offenders.
2. Sweden

Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Freedom Score = 100
Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its high quality of life. The country consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world for affordability, safety, care of the environment with cleanliness, and income equality. It also provides its citizens with a strong welfare system, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of education.
Additionally, Sweden’s parental leave policy reflects its commitment to the well-being of its citizens. Parents receive around 80 percent of their salary during the leave, with an astounding total of 80 paid days per child, split evenly between both parents if they choose to share it.
1. Norway

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Freedom Score = 100
Norway, a Nordic country situated in Northern Europe, ranks as the top country worldwide for freedom as well as the second most financially stable among European nations. Norwegians experience an exceptionally high standard of living supported by top-tier healthcare, education, and social security benefits, alongside low crime rates and a strong sense of safety and security. Civil liberties are respected, and the country witnesses peaceful power transfers following elections. Lastly, with one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging 83 years, it’s easy to see the country’s overall health and happiness.

Zobia Shazi is a freelance writer from Pakistan and travel enthusiast. With a Bachelor's degree in IT and four years of professional writing experience, she's passionate about crafting compelling content for people all over the globe. When she's not busy typing, you can find her reading books in a nice cafe or exploring new places.