SOCIETY: Cyprus ranks 28 globally on prosperity index

Cyprus is ranked among the top 30 countries regarding living standards across the globe but scored poorly for education and health.

According to research carried out by the London-based Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index, Cyprus ranks 28 out of a total of 149 countries with respect to citizens’ welfare and living conditions.

Cyprus scored well in the Social Chapter as it rose by 11 places, while at the same time it did not perform as well as previous years in governance.

Cyprus ranks 26 in the field of Economic Quality, 33 in the Business Environment and 34 in Governance.

As far human rights and personal freedom are concerned, Cyprus climbed four places, coming in at 24. 

The country did not perform as well when it comes to education, finishing 46, while it was ranked 30 for health and 25 regarding the country’s security.

Poor results were recorded with regards to the environment as Cyprus ranked 60 on the relative table.

The top five countries on the overall table were: Norway, New Zealand, Finland, Switzerland and Denmark. Sweden was number 6, while the United Kingdom was seventh.

Greece performed poorly and came in at 52.

The institute’s researchers warn that despite an overall improvement of living standards worldwide, the gap between the first countries with the last ones on the list is still vast.

This, as they say, raises issues of inequality, both in health, financial, policy, education and security.

The Legatum Institute is an independent educational charity based in London, run by Baroness Philippa Stroud, a Conservative member of the House of Lords.

Its stated aim is to advance the education of the public in national and international political, social and economic policy.