Ireland ranks 14th in a list of the most prosperous countries in the world, according to a survey published today.
The Global Prosperity Index, based on both material wealth and life satisfaction of individuals, sees North America and Europe dominate the table, with New Zealand the only southern hemisphere country to make it into the top 10.
Ireland comes in above countries such as Mexico, Israel and the United Kingdom but behind Singapore, Finland and Canada.
Compiled by independent think-tank the Legatum Institute for Global Development, the index claims to go beyond the traditional financial measures to calculate a country's relative prosperity.
It looks at indicators on life satisfaction, including freedom of choice, a country's health and climate, alongside individual material wealth.
As such, Norway achieved top scores for its positive social conditions as well as rapid economic growth.
Sweden performs marginally less well economically, but makes up for this by having very high levels of political and civil liberties, leisure time and equality of opportunity.
Zimbabwe came out bottom in the analysis of 50 countries. Extreme lack of individual freedom, ill health and high unemployment led to a very low rating of life satisfaction for the African nation. Other countries towards the lower end of the index include Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh and India.
Legatum Prosperity Index (Overall rankings)
Norway/Sweden/United States
Austria
Canada/New Zealand
Denmark
Germany/Finland
Switzerland
Australia
Singapore/ Netherlands
Ireland
Iceland
Mexico
Israel/United Kingdom
Belgium/Spain