When institutions protect the liberty of individuals, greater prosperity results for all.
Economist Adam Smith formed this theory in his influential work, The Wealth of Nations, in 1776. In 2009, his theory is measured – and proven – in the Index of Economic Freedom, an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's No. 1 think tank.
For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought Smith's theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 183 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century.
Experts
For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. This year, the 2009 Index of Economic Freedom has been redesigned to be accessible to the congressional staffer and the college student, the finance minister and the financial adviser.
The Index covers 10 freedoms – from property rights to entrepreneurship – in 183 countries. For the first time, the 2009 edition also analyzes regions to showcase the freest economies in every part of the world.
Index authors and expert analysts are available for media interviews and speaking events.
- Ambassador Terry Miller, The Heritage Foundation
- Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D., The Heritage Foundation
- Anthony B. Kim, The Heritage Foundation
Press Releases
- Overview
- Asia - Pacific
- Europe
- North Africa / Middle East
- North America
- South America
- Sub Saharan Africa
