Norway - World's Most Democratic Country! Where is the U.S. on the list?

[Petar + 76]

According to the Economist, Nordic countries have topped the list of Democracy Index 2017. They are taking four out of five of the top spots. Norway came out on top, closely followed by Iceland and Sweden. Interesting, New Zealand was the only non-Nordic country to feature in the top 5. NZ had its strong democratic history. It was first country in the world to allow women to vote in 1893. By the Economic list U.S. are on 21 position...and guess who is the last one? North Korea. Surprised? :slightly_smiling_face:

[Petar + 76]

Norway
Iceland
Sweden
New Zeland
Denmark
Ireland
Canada
Australia
.
.
.
21.U.S.
.
.
.
159. Saudi Arabia
.
.
.167 North Korea

[Pavel + 384]

Just few places between Saudi and North Korea, MBS and K. Jong... Dark of democracy.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

In, my opinion, no need to include countries that have not chosen democracy as a preferred governance model. It tells no story.

[Petar + 76]

Generally, Europe is the first:)

[franco + 96]

Nordic countries were proclaiming like a "Bastion of Democracy" and they deserve it. Probably the best system for life.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

This is so actually. Several of the most democratic countries NOR. GER. AUT. also lead the olympic medal counts at PyeongChang 2018. Not saying there's a causal connection... 

[Pavel + 384]

Democracy and tolerance are like twins. They're going with each other.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

You defined generally, but it's not a rule. Tolerance and democracy don't go always side by side. 

[Petar + 76]

I am wondering how North Korea got 167 position ? Congrats. Norway and Nordic countries.

[aspoerl + 28]

3 hours ago, Petar said:

According to the Economist, Nordic countries have topped the list of Democracy Index 2017. They are taking four out of five of the top spots. Norway came out on top, closely followed by Iceland and Sweden. Interesting, New Zealand was the only non-Nordic country to feature in the top 5. NZ had its strong democratic history. It was first country in the world to allow women to vote in 1893. By the Economic list U.S. are on 21 position...and guess who is the last one? North Korea. Surprised? :slightly_smiling_face:

This doesn't surprise me. It's probably reflective of our new status as "Russian Puppet State". 

[Adam Varga + 123]

 

Less than 5% of the world’s population currently lives in a “full democracy”. Norway holds the position of the most democratic country since 2010. 

[Andy Thomsen + 3]

Canada is not a democracy.

It is in fact still a colonial society.

The Queen of England is the Head of State, as well as the Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of the Canadian armed forces, and legislation does not become law till such time is has received Royal Assent.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

Norway's definitely the most democratically socialist country on the planet.  Democratic socialism optimizes the best of capitalism and socialism to create happy healthy citizens.

[franco + 96]

This is worrying: less than 5% of the world’s population currently lives in a “full democracy”... And, of course: in 2017 there were 52 authoritarian regime..

[Petar + 76]

Even as a kingdom, Norway can be the most democratic country:) Powerful.

[yellow + 5]

A simple Democracy is basically mob rule which is OK in homogeneous populations of the same background. Here in the US we have governed as a democratic republic with 50 states. This way New York city, Los Angeles and other population centers do not rule our country by the overwhelming number of their votes. And the electoral college levels the field so all may share a voice in governance.

[Kate Turlington + 44]

yes, agreed. it's much easier for a country like Norway. Sheer size makes even the 'leveling' mechanisms more challenging in the US. And at the risk of ruffling some feathers, not every country/culture is made for, or wants, democracy. 

[yellow + 5]

Yes. Not every country is made for democracy or mature enough for self rule for various reasons. We could discuss this for days!  Take care.

[TraderTate + 186]

yeah, maybe that's a rabbit hole we don't want to go down...

[Rodent + 1,424]

3 hours ago, yellow said:

A simple Democracy is basically mob rule which is OK in homogeneous populations of the same background. Here in the US we have governed as a democratic republic with 50 states. This way New York city, Los Angeles and other population centers do not rule our country by the overwhelming number of their votes. And the electoral college levels the field so all may share a voice in governance.

Indeed.

[charliezap + 1]

The US talks and preaches democracy, but it is a very flawed democracy:

1.  Citizens of DC do not have a voting representative, either in the house or in the senate. 

2.  Wyoming (pop. 0.5 million) has the same number of senators (2) as California (pop. 69 million).  From a democratic point of view, Wyoming is clearly over represented, and California is under represented.

3.  Misallocation of senators distorts the electoral college system.  As a result, Donald Trump is now president, even though Hilary Clinton won the popular vote by over 3 million votes.  It's not that I think Hilary was a great candidate, but "more of the same" would have been infinitely preferable to Donald Trump's week by week destruction of the USA, with respect to its international reputation, its intellectual and scientific leadership, its environment, and its economy.  [Yes, the tax cuts are giving the economy a short term boost, but they are also accelerating the trend toward excessive inequality, and they will produce $trillion annual deficits that will result in higher interest rates and the next recession.]

[Andy Thomsen + 3]

The US has the same out-dated, dysfunctional, colonial political system as Canada and it's colonial mother - the UK.

[Rodent + 1,424]

"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." Winston Churchill

 

[Marina Schwarz + 1,576]

On 2/23/2018 at 7:23 PM, Kate Turlington said:

yes, agreed. it's much easier for a country like Norway. Sheer size makes even the 'leveling' mechanisms more challenging in the US. And at the risk of ruffling some feathers, not every country/culture is made for, or wants, democracy. 

Also, don't forget the oil wealth. Everything is easier when your citizens are not dying of hunger, including tolerance.