15 best countries for business

New Zealand is ranked as the best country for business, according to Forbes. The report states that the United States continues to lose ground against other nations in Forbes’ annual look at the best countries for business.
(Source: Forbes)

1. New Zealand

The island country, New Zealand has a modern, prosperous and developed market economy. The country is heavily dependent on international trade and has a high demand for agricultural products.

GDP: GDP: $162 billion

GDP per capita: $39,300

Public debt as % of GDP: 36%

2. Denmark

Officially the Kingdom of Denmark has a developed mixed market economy and the country’s economy stands out for its economic freedom. It has a large labour force and its support for free trade is high.

GDP: $333 billion

GDP per capita: $59,684

Public debt as % of GDP: 44%

3. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region and is considered to be one of the world’s leading financial centers. The country has a major capitalist service economy characterized by low taxation and free trade.

GDP: $244 billion

GDP per capita: $34,457

Public debt as % of GDP: 30%

4. Singapore

Singapore has a highly developed market based economy. It is known to have one of the freest, innovative, competitive and business-friendly environments worldwide. The economy depends heavily on exports and refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing.

GDP: $240 billion

GDP per capita: $46,241

Public debt as % of GDP: 118%

5. Canada

Canada has a mixed economy and manufacturing, mining and service sectors have transformed the nation from a rural economy to an industrialized one. The country is one of the world's largest suppliers of agricultural products.

GDP: $1.7 trillion

GDP per capita: $50,345

Public debt as % of GDP: 87%

6. Ireland

The economy of Ireland mainly focuses on services and high-tech industries. Exports play a very important role and Ireland is considered to be one of the world’s most profitable countries.

GDP: $217 billion

GDP per capita: $48,423

Public debt as % of GDP: 105%

7. Sweden

Sweden is an export oriented mixed economy and is heavily oriented towards foreign trade. The country’s engineering, telecommunications, automotive and pharmaceutical industries are of great importance.

GDP: $538 billion

GDP per capita: $56,927

Public debt as % of GDP: 38%

8. Norway
Norway is a mixed economy. It features a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors. It is also one of the largest oil exporters in the world.

GDP: $486 billion

GDP per capita: $98,102

Public debt as % of GDP: 58%

9. Finland

Although Finland was relatively late for industrialization, the country’s economy grows rapidly. The country is highly integrated in the global economy, and international trade.

GDP: $266 billion

GDP per capita: $49,391

Public debt as % of GDP: 49%

10. United Kingdom

United Kingdom was the world’s first industrialized countries and is a now considered as one of the great powers in with its economic influence. The country has a partially regulated market economy.

GDP: $2.4 trillion

GDP per capita: $38,818

Public debt as % of GDP: 86%

11. Australia

Australia is a developed country which enjoys its high economic freedom. It is considered to be a wealthy economy with a market economy. The country is a major exporter of agricultural products.

GDP: $1.4 trillion

GDP per capita: $60,642

Public debt as % of GDP: 27%

12. United States

The United States of America has a capitalist mixed economy which has a developed infrastructure, high productivity and sufficient natural resources. Apart from being known for its large exports the country is also one of the largest importers of goods.

GDP: $15.1 trillion

GDP per capita: $48,442

Public debt as % of GDP: 68%

13. Belgium

Belgium has a strong globalised economy and it is characterized by high productive work force. The country is heavily is service-oriented and has an integrated transport infrastructure.

GDP: $512 billion

GDP per capita: $46,469

Public debt as % of GDP: 100%

14. Netherlands

The Netherlands has a market-based mixed economy that is well known for its liberal stance. Shipping, fishing, trade, and banking have been leading sectors of the country’s economy.

GDP: $836 billion

GDP per capita: $50,087

Public debt as % of GDP: 65%

15. Switzerland

Switzerland is known as one of the most stable, prosperous and wealthiest economy. The high tech economy’s main sector is manufacturing and the Switzerland’s largest exported goods are chemicals.

GDP: $636 billion

GDP per capita: $80,391

Public debt as % of GDP: 52%