The 2008 Index of Economic Freedom covers 162 countries across 10 specific freedoms such as trade freedom, business freedom, investment freedom, and property rights. View scores and rankings for any country, along with detailed data and background analysis.

The 2008 Index provides an even clearer picture of economic freedom by using data-driven equations which allows countries to be graded between scores of 0 and 100. We continue the tradition of equally blending "Ten Freedoms" to produce a simple, unbiased overall score for each country.

The 2008 Index also has our traditional country pages, so that each freedom in every economy is explained in detail. Every country page includes new charts highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each economy.

When institutions protect the liberty of individuals, greater prosperity results for all.

Economist Adam Smith formed this theory in his influential work, The Wealth of Nations, in 1776. In 2008, his theory is measured – and proven – in the Index of Economic Freedom, an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's No. 1 think tank.

For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought Smith's theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 162 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century.

For the second year, the Portuguese version of the Index has been launched during the Brazilian Liberty Forum, in Brazil. Website: http://www.forumdaliberdade.com.br

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