Vatican City. Or so says this survey . Of course it’s easy to prosper when the only way you can lose your job is to die and your number one export is infallibility. Try competing with that!
Interesting that two independent states within Italy rank in the top 10, but Italy itself ranks only 27th. Does that mean that if each province declared independence, it would prosper and become more stable? Don’t give the Italians any ideas . . .
The United States ranks a mere 23rd. I assume that poor showing has something to do with the recent trashing of HD-DVD for Blue-ray technology. Who can remain “stable” when every five seconds you have to go out and buy yet another machine on which to play yet another iteration of St. Elmo’s Fire ?
Most of the “winners” on this list are barely countries at all. Andorra? Liechtenstein? I’m sure they are lovely places, filled with wonderful, God-fearing, child-loving, environmentally friendly, fur-hating people. But if your idea of national defense is a guy with a bright orange sash yelling, “Nothing to see here! Move along! Mo-o-o-ve along!” then maybe we should consider calling you something else. Like Schenectady.
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.
