10 Most Prosperous Countries

7. Malaysia

With a high number of entrepreneurs and high levels of international trade, Malaysia scores best on economic factors. The country has a low unemployment rate and its workers have access to a high level of capital stock, including offices and productive machinery (although development is hampered by the limited communications infrastructure). But the country scores relatively poorly in terms of democratic institutions (69th in the world) and personal freedom (83rd), with a very low percentage of Malaysians believing the country is welcoming to immigrants.

Photo: Judhi Prasetyo