The 2014 Legatum Prosperity Index™ offers a unique insight into how prosperity is forming and changing across the world. Now in its eighth year, the Index assesses 142 countries, representing more than 96% of the world’s population and 99% of global GDP.

Launched on 3 November 2014, the Index uses rigorous research and in-depth analysis to rank countries based on their performance in eight sub-indices: Economy, Entrepreneurship & Opportunity, Governance, Education, Personal Freedom, Health, Safety & Security and Social Capital.

The 2014 Index reveals Norway as the most prosperous country for the sixth year in a row, retaining its place due to its high ranking in the Economy (3rd), Health (5th), Education (5th), Governance (7th), and Personal Freedom (2nd) sub-indices. Switzerland is ranked 2nd in the Index for the second year in a row while New Zealand has risen from fifth to third since last year. The UK is the most prosperous of all the leading major EU nations, coming ahead of Germany (14th), France (21st), Spain (26th) and Italy (37th).

The least prosperous countries are predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa, with the Central African Republic bottom of the rankings, followed by Chad and Congo (DR).

In a statement published today, Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne said:

“Today’s report by the Legatum Institute which shows the UK as the most prosperous major EU country provides further international support for the government’s long term economic plan. Thanks to the difficult decisions we have taken to deliver economic security and control the public finances we have moved three places up the global rankings. It is fantastic to see Britain leading the way for entrepreneurship, personal freedom, health and education.”

To explore the full rankings and data from this year’s Index, visit the following link available here.