"Hong Kong maintains its position as the world's freest economy, a distinction it has enjoyed for 16 consecutive years.  Singapore remains close, ranked as the world's second freest economy.  Australia and New Zealand, ranked 3^rd and 4^th this year, have solidified their position at the top of the rankings.  As in 2009, a total of seven economies have attained ‘free' status in the Index rankings, although the composition of this group has changed a bit, with Switzerland moving in and the United States dropping out."

Source:  Heritage Foundation,