Фото: euronews.com, AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
The most prosperous countries are those that combine strong economies with effective government and civic institutions, affordable healthcare, opportunities for social growth, and sustained investments in people’s well-being. This is evidenced in the Prosperity Index-2026 from the Atlantic Council, writes Visual Capitalist.
Norway takes the first place in the ranking. Thanks to competent management of super-profits from the extraction of energy resources, this country has turned its natural bonuses into the world’s largest sovereign fund, the size of its assets exceeding $2.2 trillion.
This fund has doubled over the past ten years and is used to finance medicine, education, health care and other public services, and ensures the country’s long-term economic stability.
Iceland and Denmark are also in the top three due to their combination of social programs, favorable business environment, and high levels of public trust. Small population size additionally helps these countries to ensure a high standard of living.
Slovenia (10th) and the Czech Republic (12th) are ahead of a number of larger and more economically powerful countries. High scores in equality, health and education allow them to outperform large economies such as Germany (13th) and France (23rd).
Experts note that well-being depends not only on the size of an economy, but also on how evenly resources and opportunities are distributed in a country.
Singapore leads in Asia
The highest position among Asian countries is occupied by Singapore – 18th place. The country is characterized by high GDP per capita, developed infrastructure and life expectancy.
Its ranking reflects a decade of public investment in housing, healthcare, transportation and education, which has helped make Singapore one of the world’s most efficient and competitive economies.
Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are in the top thirty with good economic performance. However, they tend to lag behind Northern Europe in terms of social equality. Aging populations, rising housing costs, and an intense work culture are also affecting overall prosperity.
The US is at the bottom of the ranking
The US is the world’s largest economy, but it ranks only 38th in the overall prosperity ranking. The U.S. has relatively low quality of life indicators, including inequality, environmental health, and access to opportunity among minorities. It also has one of the lowest life expectancy rates among developed countries.
