TORONTO – Canada ranks sixth out of 152 countries and regions when it comes to human freedom while its southern neighbour is 20th, a new study suggests
The index, compiled by the Fraser Institute and public-policy think-tanks in Germany and the United States, uses 76 indicators of personal, civil and economic freedoms, reported Canadian Press.
Hong Kong tops the rankings followed by Switzerland, Finland, Denmark and New Zealand rounding out the top five. Other notable countries are Australia in seventh place, the United Kingdom in the ninth position and Germany in 12th place.
The least free country in the index is Iran. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Zimbabwe and Yemen round out the bottom five.
According to the data, Canada scores well on security and safety, the rule of law and economic freedom which is based on personal choice, trade openness, freedom to compete, security of private property and judicial independence.
Study editor Fred McMahon says the goal of the index is to measure the degree to which people are free to enjoy classic civil liberties — freedom of speech, religion, individual economic choice, and association and assembly.
“We also look at the rule of law, which is essential for freedoms, as well as indicators of crime and violence, freedom of movement, limits on freedom due to sexual orientation, and women’s freedoms,” McMahon said.
As for the United States coming in at No. 20, McMahon says the data points to a “significant weakening of the rule of law” and an erosion of property rights and “an expansion of quasi-judicial regulations” over time.
MOST FREE LEAST FREE
1. Hong Kong 133. Burundi
2. Switzerland 134. Bangladesh
3. Finland 135. Angola
4. Denmark 136. Egypt
5. New Zealand 137. Swaziland
6. Canada 138. Togo
7. Australia 139. Nigeria
8. Ireland 140. Pakistan
9. United Kingdom 141. Republic of Congo
10. Sweden 141. Saudi Arabia
11. Norway 143. Chad
12. Austria 144. Venezuela
12. Germany 145. Ethiopia
14. Iceland 146. Algeria
14. Netherlands 147. Central African Republic
16. Malta 148. Yemen
17. Luxembourg 149. Zimbabwe
18. Chile 150. Myanmar
19. Mauritius 150. Democratic Republic of Congo
20. United States 152. Iran
Source: Fraser Institute, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Cato Institute