Lately I have been hearing more and more about Scandinavia, specifically Sweden, from the Left, and how their "socialism" is the way to go. How do you respond ? (Other than being almost completely homogenous in race). Norway: the richest country in the world (as in number 4, excluding all the city-states and Lux it is number 1) per capita. Index of Economic freedom is pretty bad (34th). Source: http://www.prosperity.com/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Economic_Freedom •Norway is the largest oil producer and exporter in western Europe
Finland: 21st richest. Index of Economic freedom is comparable with Japan (16th). Not worth delving into for the purpose of this thread.
Sweden: 13th richest (without all the city-states and Lux it would be 10th). Index of Economic freedom is just slightly less than that of Taiwan (27th) . Well, they know how to balance their budget. % of government spending Sweden (%GDP): 55.2% % of government spending US (%GDP): 42.2% Source: http://www.heritage.org/index/countr...ted-government Another interesting tidbit: Source: http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/Sweden/economy/ Interestingly, Australia has more economic freedom than even the US and they weather the Great Recession virtually unscathed and are 4th in economic freedom (more free than the US).
I have been there, its not what you think it is. Huge taxes, no freedom, land of ice and drunks.
Also, they throw in Ireland (for economic freedom) and my defense is Australia.
Eh...not really. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...wnje6Gb3HRv-Hg Swedish Welfare State Collapses as Immigrants Wage War^^^^^^^ They seem to have huge issues with Muslim immigrants.