Economic Freedom of the World 2006: Annual Report - Softcover

"The world's political leaders and others concerned with economic growth... would do well to give their custom to... (the) Economic Freedom of the World report, an annual publication that aims to measure economic freedom in 123 countries. --THE ECONOMIST Economic freedom advances economic growth, reduces poverty and promotes other civil and political freedoms. It is also a tonic against terrorism because of the opportunity it creates. All of the nations behind global terrorism lack economic freedom. --Nobel Laureate MILTON FRIEDMAN The closest thing we have to (an explanation of efficient markets) is the Economic Freedom of the World Annual Report.... This is an invaluable contribution. --Nobel Laureate DOUGLASS NORTH The series of reports on economic freedom has been of enormous value in assessing... the consequences of freedom for economic progress of different nations. I look forward to each annual report. --Nobel Laureate GARY BECKER It's an article of faith for most economists that freedom of trade pays off in economic growth. Their faith is supported by hard numbers in... (the) Economic Freedom of the World report. --BUSINESS WEEK"

The key ingredients of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and protection of the person and property. Economic freedom liberates individuals and families from government dependence and gives them control of their own future. Empirical research shows this spurs economic growth by unleashing individual dynamism. It also leads to democracy and other freedoms as people are unfettered from government dependence. The annual Economic Freedom of the World Report ranks countries on their level of economic freedom. This comprehensive index, constructed under the leadership of The Fraser Institute and Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman, is the most objective and accurate measure of economic freedom published to date by any organization and the only one that uses reproducible measures appropriate for peer-reviewed research.