Canada Ranks 6th on Global Freedom Index

How free are you? It may sound like a loaded question, but folks from the Fraser Institute--along with public-policy think-tanks in the United States and Germany--have compiled a study that ranks how free each country is.

Using 76 indicators of civil, economic and personal freedoms, the study works to assess the level of human freedom in 152 countries of the world. According to Fred McMahon, the study's editor, the index's goal is "to measure the degree to which people are free to enjoy classic civil liberties," including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, association and individual economic choice.

Out of the 152 countries involved in the study, data suggests that Canada ranks sixth when it comes to human freedom. The study shows high scores for Canadian safety and security, as well as the rule of law and economic freedom. These factors are based on things like trade openness, personal choice, freedom to compete, judicial independence and security of private property.

Wondering where other countries ranked? Some notable ranks include the United States at 20th, the United Kingdom at 9th and Germany at 12th. The study ranks the top five countries and the bottom five as follows:

1. Hong Kong
2. Switzerland
3. Finland
4. Denmark
5. New Zealand
...
148. Yemen
149. Zimbabwe
150. Myanmar & Democratic Republic of Congo (tie)
151. Iran