2009 Index of Economic Freedom

Should the recent world economic crisis spell the end for free-market capitalism, as many claim? The 2009 Index of Economic Freedom offers strong evidence to the contrary. Economic freedom continues to provide the surest path to prosperity.

This 15th anniversary edition of the Index finds economic freedom still on the march, with top performers in every region of the world.

There are compelling stories told here: tales of political courage and conviction and the struggles by countries to liberate themselves from the shackles of socialism. Those that have joined the ranks of the economically free have reaped enormous rewards. By contrast, countries that have relinquished economic freedom lag in every indicator of human well-being.