Namibia Economist (Windhoek)
30 October 2009
Windhoek — Namibia ranks 67th among 104 countries in the latest Legatum Prosperity index released this week.
Among African countries, Namibia ranks 4th, superceded only by South Africa and Botswana as expected but surprisingly being outdone by Mali. Botswana is the rising star moving into slot number 56 while South Africa is the only African country in the top half.
The 104 countries covered in the third Legatum Prosperity Index include 90% of the world's population. The index is based on a definition of prosperity that combines economic growth with quantified measures of happiness and quality of life.
Thanks to strong communities and democratic institutions, South Africa is the highest ranked sub-Saharan nation, placed 51st, followed by Botswana at 56th. The majority of African countries rank in the bottom 15 with the Central African Republic, Sudan and Zimbabwe ranked last at 101st, 103rd, and 104th respectively.
"The Legatum Prosperity Index is the world's only global assessment of wealth and well-being," said Dr. William Inboden, senior vice president of the Legatum Institute. "The lowest ranking African countries show a clear link between a lack of effective government structures, high levels of internal conflict, and a lack of personal freedom, all of which contribute towards low levels of prosperity.
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