Hard to know what to make of all these type of ranking reports…value laden as they are…emphasising some things and downplaying other things etc …and, to be honest, I haven’t yet read the 64 page report I link to.
I’ve always had a sort of soft spot for Costa Rica, though, albeit from an almost ignorant knowledge base, ho hum. I know the Costa Ricans are strong on environmental issues and are about the only people that voluntarily decided against having an army. Let’s hope no one invades them, then. 
Also, when looking at some Nations in the top 10 one wonders. Columbia for instance ( with all of its various troubles and problems) in there at number 6.
Some main Euro countries as follows: Germany ( 51st), France ( 71st), UK ( 74th) and Spain ( 76th). Oh, and Latvia (101st).
Then there’s Canada ( 89th) and the US ( 114th).
Also, Australia ( 102nd) and New Zealand ( 103rd).
I guess they aren’t too off the mark, though, ranking Zimbabwe bottom if North Korea hasn’t been included. I'll have to double check on Burma and such like.
Still, I’d have to read the report before fully understanding its take on things….sort of “ cart before the horse” otherwise. Anyway, I’ll have a look at some point or other.
In the meantime, here’s the link:
http://tinyurl.com/nr39am
