The
latest Legatum Prosperity Index has placed Sri Lanka at number 60, an increase
of 11 places since 2009.
The
Legatum Prosperity Index ranks nations across the globe according to criteria
related to wealth and well-being. The 2013 index compiled by the London-based
Legatum Institute contains data on 142 countries based on 89 variables across 8
sub-indices. The sub-indices include economy, entrepreneurship and opportunity,
governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom and social
capital.
The
main reason for Sri Lanka’s rise in the Prosperity Index ratings is due to significant
improvements in the economy sub-index since 2009 when the country ended 30
years of civil conflict. Their economy sub-index rose 28 places from 74th
in 2009 to 46th in 2013. It recorded a GDP growth of 8.3% in 2011
with increased production in tea, coffee, gemstones, coconut, and cinnamon. Dow
Jones classified the country as an emerging market in 2010, transitioning into
a Middle-Income Country (MIC). Sri Lanka also ranked 8th in the
World Giving Index in September 2010 for its high levels of contentment and
charity. Over the past five years since 2009, Sri Lanka has increased 12 places
to 35th in the social capital sub-index of the Legatum Prosperity
Index.
Norway
led the overall ratings of the 2013 Legatum Prosperity Index for the fifth
year, followed by Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, and Denmark. In the
South Asia region, India was overtaken by Bangladesh for the first time.
Bangladesh was ranked at 102 out of the 142 countries, with India ranked at
106. Nepal was ranked at 102 while Pakistan ranked 132.
MARTINA NICOLLS is an international
aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of
Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet
(2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
Comments
Post a Comment