Denmark remains among most economically free nations in the world

High taxes and huge public sector still a hurdle

Despite dropping a few spots compared to last year, Denmark continues to be one of the most economically free nations in the world, according to the 2015 Economic Freedom of the World Index.

The index, created by a number of experts – including the Nobel Prize winners Milton Friedman, Gary Becker and Douglas North and published annually by the Fraser Institute – ranked Denmark 22nd in the world.

“Denmark’s solid placement is underpinned, for instance, by the framework in place to run a business, which is relatively good across a number of parameters,” said Mads Lundby Hansen, a chief economist with the Danish think-tank CEPOS.

“We have a good enforcement of private property rights, openness to free trade and a flexible labour market where the minimum wage isn’t set by the state.”

READ MORE: Denmark one of the most economically free nations in the world

Could be better
Denmark would feature even higher on the index (here in English) if its public sector was smaller and taxes were reduced, said Hansen. Denmark was ranked 154th out of 157 nations in this regard.

The index was topped once again by Hong Kong, followed by Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. Mauritius, Jordan, Ireland, Canada and the UK completed the top ten.

Other notables included Australia (12), US (16), Finland (19), Japan (26), Norway (27), Germany (29), the Netherlands (30), South Korea (39), Sweden (42), France (70), South Africa (96), Russia (99), India (114), Brazil (118) and Iran (147).

 

TOP STORIES

  • How is Denmark addressing violence against women

    How is Denmark addressing violence against women

    According to a report from the Ministry of Justice, partner killing is the second most common type of murder, and women are victims in 83% of the cases, all of them killed by men. Regarding the gender gap, women earn, on average, 12.4% less than men. While Denmark is one of the safest places for women in the world, the issues are far from being solved.

  • Danish climate minister disappointed with new global climate agreement

    Danish climate minister disappointed with new global climate agreement

    The UN climate summit COP29 ended with a new target for climate financing. However, the world’s countries could not agree on an agreement on fossil fuels. Denmark’s climate minister and NGOs criticize the outcome of the climate summit

  • The intuition trap: leading Danes in cross-cultural teams

    The intuition trap: leading Danes in cross-cultural teams

    Signe Biering, an executive coach trained in psychology with a background in diplomacy, explains how over-reliance on intuition in decision-making can hinder cross-cultural collaboration. She highlights Denmark’s cultural tendency to trust gut feelings and authenticity but warns of its risks in diverse teams. Biering advocates for leaders to challenge instincts, embrace differences, and balance intuition with analytical thinking to foster trust, collaboration, and growth.

  • Swedish households receiving brochure on crisis and war preparedness these weeks

    Swedish households receiving brochure on crisis and war preparedness these weeks

    The brochure offers advice on how to prepare for crises or war and respond to serious incidents, and its aim is to “remind people of the importance of considering and strengthening their preparedness.”

  • “Talents, start using AI tools now,” says Siri and Change.org founder

    “Talents, start using AI tools now,” says Siri and Change.org founder

    In an exclusive interview with The Copenhagen Post, the founder of Siri and Change.org, and currently VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, gives young talents advice on how to deal with the job market changed by artificial intelligence.

  • Testing free school meals for 20,000 kids and tax deduction for homeowners in 2025 Finance Act

    Testing free school meals for 20,000 kids and tax deduction for homeowners in 2025 Finance Act

    The government has reached an agreement on next year’s Finance Act with SF and Radikale Venstre. A test on free school meals for a limited number of children will be introduced. Homeowners will get more options for deductions for home improvements

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • The intuition trap: leading Danes in cross-cultural teams

    The intuition trap: leading Danes in cross-cultural teams

    Signe Biering, an executive coach trained in psychology with a background in diplomacy, explains how over-reliance on intuition in decision-making can hinder cross-cultural collaboration. She highlights Denmark’s cultural tendency to trust gut feelings and authenticity but warns of its risks in diverse teams. Biering advocates for leaders to challenge instincts, embrace differences, and balance intuition with analytical thinking to foster trust, collaboration, and growth.

  • “Talents, start using AI tools now,” says Siri and Change.org founder

    “Talents, start using AI tools now,” says Siri and Change.org founder

    In an exclusive interview with The Copenhagen Post, the founder of Siri and Change.org, and currently VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, gives young talents advice on how to deal with the job market changed by artificial intelligence.

  • “Without internationals, we wouldn’t have the people we need,” says Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

    “Without internationals, we wouldn’t have the people we need,” says Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

    Fujifilm’s Hillerød facility thrives with a diverse workforce, employing over 1,800 people from more than 65 nationalities. Morten Munk, Director of Global Alliance Management, highlights how the company’s rapid growth relies on attracting international talent due to Denmark’s limited pool of scientific professionals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs