The 6 Best Governed Countries In The World

What are the six countries that consistently top the charts for trust in government, progressive social policies, and effective justice systems?

How do we measure whether a country is well governed? In order to create a well-functioning society, governments pursue various policies. To measure the effectiveness of these policies, the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index, the World Bank's Governance Index and the Social Development Index use available data to rank countries according to their performance in different categories.

Denmark

Scandinavian countries consistently rank at the top of every index, with Denmark leading the way. In 2017, it was near perfect in the 'Basic Human Needs' category of the Social Development Index. This category covers many issues, from meeting the nutritional and health needs of citizens to basic information and communication. Everyone living in Denmark can benefit from these rights. Foreign students can receive financial aid and free language courses.
The social system is based on trust rather than bureaucracy. When people are sick, all they have to do is call the workplace and say they cannot go to work. But, for example, in Germany, employees and students are required to get a medical report from a doctor. Life in Denmark is more expensive than other European countries and this country has the highest taxes in the EU. In this way, services are subsidized. Danes love to get together, chat, sit and eat with friends under candlelight.

New Zeland

Australia and New Zealand are neck and neck in the index rankings, but New Zealand is slightly ahead in terms of political stability, the development of fundamental rights and the lack of violence and terrorist incidents. New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893. In addition, many services are provided for single mothers, children, students and the elderly.

Canada

The United States and Canada also rank high on all indices, but Canada scores higher in terms of political stability and lack of violent-terrorist acts. In terms of nutrition and health, basic knowledge and civil liberties, Canada is as good as the Scandinavian countries. Canadians are also known for their fairness.

Japan

Japan is the highest-scoring country in Asia for the World Bank's indicators of government effectiveness, rule of law and political stability. It also ranks highest in Asia on the Social Development index in terms of access to basic information, water and sanitation, nutrition and healthcare. The Japanese place great value on social and public services. Everyone has health insurance. Payments are based on wages and are deducted directly from wages. But everyone can go to the doctor they want, and the ceiling of the fee to be paid for these services has been determined. However, the aging of the population puts pressure on these services. The best cancer doctors in the world are in Japan. Japan is also very advanced in the field of education.

Botswana

Botswana has the strongest government system in Africa. It ranks high in the Rule of Law Index, especially in terms of combating bribery. The commission, which was established in 1994 in the country that was shaken by bribery and corruption incidents in the 1990s, continues to investigate and punish officials accused of bribery. In addition, the income generated from diamond mining operations is distributed equitably in the country. Botswanans believe that their problems should be resolved by discussion and resolution rather than going to war. Great importance is given to individual freedoms, freedom of the press and property rights. A society that does not discriminate against race, language or gender and fights against injustice. There is a school and health center in every village with a population of more than 500. It is one of the countries that took the first steps in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and free medicine is given to everyone with HIV. The Botswana government has also taken important steps in terms of environmental protection. Most of the income from tourism is allocated to national parks and wildlife conservation.

Chile

Ranking highly for transparency, anti-graft and access to basic information and healthcare, Chile is also seen as one of Latin America's most stable and anti-corruption governments. Property acquisition processes for foreigners are completed within a few weeks. Although there is bureaucracy, maintaining transactions is not a problem. Although the immigration application process is a bit long, it is not difficult to continue living after the residence issue is resolved. Health insurance is effective and not very costly. One of Chile's strongest areas is quality infrastructure services such as roads, water and electricity. Although there is an open and friendly attitude towards foreigners, the rigid social class system can make it difficult to enter the country's upper social circles.