The best liberated countries are open-minded, progressive, and welcoming of diversity. These nations foster happiness and prosperity by promoting policies that support gender equality, environmental sustainability, and freedom of expression.
Movehub compiled this ranking by using data from four different indexes to measure individual freedom, economic freedom, and government size and taxation. The results were then combined to form the final ranking.
Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country with one of the world’s most liberal societies. Its focus on social welfare and inclusivity make it a globally admired model for liberalism.
It is also home to some of the world’s best-rated schools and safest streets. It prioritizes happiness, helping its citizens live the most fulfilling lives possible and reducing pollution emissions.
A parliamentary system of government ensures individual freedoms, including the right to marry whomever you want and to control your personal finances. It also allows women to run for office and to work outside the home. However, domestic violence remains a serious problem.
The country has strong ties to the United States and has been a founding member of Nato. It has mediated in the Middle East and Sri Lanka and taken part in military action in Afghanistan and Libya. It has a significant natural resource base and a highly developed infrastructure. Its sovereign wealth fund is the world’s largest, with a value of nearly 1 trillion US dollars. The current prime minister is Jonas Gahr Store, who leads the centre-left Labour Party in a minority coalition with the agrarian Centre Party.
Sweden
The Nordic nation is known for its saunas, its green living, and its work-life balance. It is also known for its gender equality and its commitment to social justice. Sweden has a lot to be proud of, but it hasn’t been perfect.
Sweden was once a formidable military power that fought and defeated Denmark, Poland, and Russia during the 17th Century. King Gustavus Adolphus built the Swedish army into a world-class force, and its military strategy was renowned for its efficiency and discipline.
In the 1920s, Sweden transformed from an agricultural society to a modern industrial one as social democratic governments enacted progressive reforms. In the 1970s and 1980s, Sweden climbed to the top of the global economic ladder. But in recent years, the country has been struggling economically and has seen a rise in inequality and social tensions.
Finland
A parliamentary monarchy, Finland has one of the world’s top public education systems and prioritizes happiness in its citizens. It is also a leader in combating climate change, reducing pollution emissions and protecting its species. The country’s constitution guarantees citizens’ civil and political freedom, including the freedom of speech, assembly and religion.
Finland’s journey towards sexual liberation has been a long and rewarding one. It has been a pioneer in LGBTQ rights and has taken on the role as a model for other countries looking to advance sex equality and sexual empowerment. It has a sex-positive culture, which is fueled by its liberal attitude towards sex and the importance of sex education.
Its progressive laws include decriminalizing prostitution, legalizing same-sex marriage and focusing on sex education. However, the country lost points in our ranking due to a law that requires transgender people to be sterilised before changing their legal gender. Aside from this, the country has a strong sex-positive culture and is one of the most LGBT-friendly nations in the world. It is also known for its healthy sex industry, which provides sex workers with protection against abuse and exploitation.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a long history of respecting individual freedom and has one of the most liberal cultures in the world. It is also a leader in environmental conservation, protecting its pristine flora and fauna.
Its progressive policies have helped foster a sex-positive culture. Denmark’s focus on comprehensive sex education and access to birth control has led to increased sexual empowerment and decreased rates of unwanted pregnancies.
The Netherlands has a similarly progressive approach to sex work, with the government decriminalizing prostitution and ensuring that sex workers are safe and well-paid. The Netherlands’ sex-positive culture is also shaped by the country’s tolerant attitude towards minority groups, including the LGBTQ community.
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Switzerland
With its pristine mountain vistas, exquisite chocolate and precision watches, Switzerland is renowned for the finer things in life. But there’s more to this federated country than its opulent economy, and political neutrality and peaceful civility underscore its enduring strength and stability.
Its commitment to sex rights and sexual liberation is evident in its progressive laws. The Netherlands has decriminalized prostitution and sex work, allowing the country’s thriving sex industry to thrive while protecting sex workers from exploitation. It also places a high emphasis on comprehensive sex education and has a sex-positive culture.
Denmark is another sex-positive nation that prioritizes sexual health and safety through a focus on education and access to contraceptives. Its approach to sexual empowerment has resulted in a decrease in sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. The country has also broken down traditional societal expectations around sex by promoting alternative relationships, including polyamory and open relationship. It’s a model that the rest of the world can emulate to achieve sexual freedom.