UK falls again in ranking of contribution to the ‘common good’

BRITAIN has dropped in a global ranking measuring how much countries contribute to the “common good of humanity” – for the second year in a row.

The UK slipped from seventh to eighth place in the Good Country Index but still does more “good” and less harm than more than 150 countries around the world. Using 35 separate indicators – sourced from the United Nations, World Bank and other international organisations – the survey examined the good each country does for humanity as well as what it takes away.

Britain was ranked fourth in 2016 but has dropped twice since then and lost its previous top place in the science and technology category.

The UK now sits below Ireland, which came seventh and was rated first for its contribution to international prosperity and equality, and second for its contribution to international health and wellbeing.

The Netherlands was ranked first overall, while Afghanistan came last out of 163 countries.

Simon Anholt, creator of the Good Country Index, said a successful country is one that “contributes to the good of humanity”.

“Of course it must serve its own people, but never at the expense of other populations or our shared resources. This is the new law of human survival and it’s a balance which is far more easily maintained than many people imagine,” he said. Here is the top 10 ranking: 1. Netherlands; 2. Switzerland; 3. Denmark; 4. Finland; 5. Germany; 6. Sweden; 7. Ireland; 8. United Kingdom; 9. Austria; 10. Norway.