Economic Freedom of the World

2007 Annual Report

Authors: James D. Gwartney and Robert A. Lawson

Economic freedom is based on four key principles: personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and protection of individuals and their property. It enables individuals and families to make independent decisions, reduces dependence on government and gives people greater control over their future.

This report examines the relationship between economic freedom, economic growth and individual well-being. It presents empirical research on how economic freedom can encourage growth by unleashing individual dynamism and explores its connections with democracy and other freedoms.

Published annually, the Economic Freedom of the World Report ranks countries according to their levels of economic freedom. The index, developed under the leadership of the Fraser Institute and Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman, uses reproducible measures designed for peer-reviewed research.

The 2007 edition examines the evolution of economic freedom over the preceding 25 years and its impact on people's lives. It addresses questions concerning changes in economic freedom, benefits for poorer populations, national progress, prosperity, investment, productivity and income inequality.

Key Features

• Explains the key principles of economic freedom: personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete and protection of property.

• Examines the relationship between economic freedom and economic growth.

• Presents an assessment of economic freedom across countries.

• Explores changes in economic freedom over the preceding 25 years.

• Investigates whether economic freedom benefits poorer populations.

• Analyses the impact of economic freedom on prosperity, investment and productivity.

• Examines the relationship between economic freedom and income inequality.

• Discusses the connections between economic freedom, democracy and other civil and political freedoms.

Product Details

• Authors: James D. Gwartney and Robert A. Lawson

• Contributors: Joshua C. Hall, Russell S. Sobel and Peter T. Leeson

• Publisher: Academic Foundation

• Publication Year: 2007

• Language: English

• Format: Paperback

• Pages: 204

• ISBN-13: 9788171886562