PAN, October 31, 2013

Afghanistan 139th on Legatum Prosperity Index

Legatum ranks the world’s countries on entrepreneurship, personal freedom, health, economy, social capital, education, safety and security...

Afghanistan has been placed among the world’s saddest nations in the latest "Prosperity Index" issued by a global organisation on Thursday.

The latest five-year index -- released by the London-based Legatum Institute -- placed Afghanistan 139 in its rankings, reflecting the overall wealth, health and happiness of countries.

Afghanistan is ahead of only Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Chad. The war-devastated nations tend to have limited freedom of expression and inadequate access to education.

Legatum ranks the world’s countries on entrepreneurship, personal freedom, health, economy, social capital, education, safety and security, as well as governance.

As has been the case over the past five years, Norway, Sweden, Canada and New Zealand were identified as nations enjoying peace, freedom, good healthcare, quality education, a functioning political system and plenty of opportunity.

Legatum Institute head Jeffrey Gedmin said over the past five years "the world has seen a continuous increase in prosperity, with citizens of many countries experiencing improving wealth."

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