Global Prosperity Index: Israel ranks 38th best country to live in for 2014

Israel moves up on 'Global Prosperity Index,' to 38th worldwide in 2014; very high scores for economy, health, and education.

The Global Prosperity Index "defines prosperity in terms of wealth and well-being," based on statistics and data from 142 countries. The index covers 142 countries in the world, accounting for 96 per cent of the world's population and 99 per cent of global GDP. 

Using rigorous research and in‐depth analysis, the Index ranks 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).

According to the Index, quality of life in Israel keeps on improving, as Israel moved up one place in 2014, from the 39th most prosperous country in the world to the 38th. Economically, Israel is doing considerably better than the global average.