Economic Freedom of the World: 2002 Annual Report

This 6th global economic freedom report, by James Gwartney and Robert Lawson, ranks 123 nations on 37 variables with data back to 1970. Economic freedom is based on personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and protection of the person and property. This requires the rule of law, property rights, limited government intervention, freedom to trade, and sound money.

The first report was published in 1996 after a decade long research project, involving over 100 top scholars including several Nobel Laureates. The report is published by The Fraser Institute, the US-based Cato Institute, and a network of independent institutions in 54 other nations.