Every year the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal produce the Index of Economic Freedom. They rate 232 countries on how well they allow people to be free regarding money, property rights, and corruption, among others. The United States is ranked 4th, right behind Australia.
The thing I found interesting was the ranking of Hong Kong (1st) and Singapore (2nd). Both have authoritarian governments, but allow a remarkable degree of personal freedom for their citizens. They are also two economies in Asia that are quite strong.
One area the US rates low in compared to other countries in the top 10, is "Freedom from Government." This is how much the government requires paperwork, bureaucracy and invasive taxes. The US also rates lower in the "Freedom from Corruption" area. This is surprising to me as well, as I haven't encountered corruption personally.
Check out the index to see how the US compares to other countries here.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Norwegians Angry at Higher Taxes
"Norwegians are among the most heavily taxed people in the world." Not only do they pay income taxes, but property and net worth! A glass of wine at a typical restaurant costs the equivalent of $16 and gas costs $9 a gallon!
Norway has traditionally had a comprehensive welfare state fueled by these taxes and others, but they have also been quite independent, with regards to the rest of the world, as evidenced from their refusal to join the EU or adopt the Euro.
Read more about Norway's taxes0 here and Norway itself here.
Norway has traditionally had a comprehensive welfare state fueled by these taxes and others, but they have also been quite independent, with regards to the rest of the world, as evidenced from their refusal to join the EU or adopt the Euro.
Read more about Norway's taxes0 here and Norway itself here.
Risky Housing Market?
An article from MSN rates housing markets across the country and what the perceived risk that the market in that region will decline in the next year. The riskiest markets are San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside (65.2% chance of decline), Phoenix-Scottsdale-Mesa (64.6%), and Las Vegas (61.4%).
The least risky areas are Pittsburgh, FortWorth-Arlington, TX, and Dallas-Plano-Irvington, TX.
The article talks about tips on both buying and selling houses in these types of markets, too.
The least risky areas are Pittsburgh, FortWorth-Arlington, TX, and Dallas-Plano-Irvington, TX.
The article talks about tips on both buying and selling houses in these types of markets, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)