The tiny European nation of Luxembourg is next, boasting one of the world’s highest GDP income levels.  It has a fair regulatory structure, a skilled workforce, and a well-developed infrastructure.  It also has several castles and wineries for us to explore.

While we’re in Europe, let’s head to the United Kingdom for some British humor.  Margaret Thatcher’s influence still pays dividends for the nation’s economy, which is now the fourth largest in the world.  A strong rule of law also doesn’t hurt.  While we’re enjoying the economic blessings, let’s take in some Shakespeare, enjoy high tea at Harrod’s, and pay homage to the poor wives of Henry VIII at the Tower of London.

In case you’re a bit homesick at this point for the U.S., you shouldn’t hold your breath.  The United States is in a three-way tie for 9th place in the Index of Economic Freedom, and we’re only halfway there.  We still need to make stops in Iceland, Estonia, and Denmark before we visit the ninth-place finishers (U.S., Australia, and New Zealand).

How can the United States be so far behind?  One devastating decision last June by the U.S. Supreme Court didn’t help; the Kelo v. City of New London ruling on eminent domain was a huge black mark for our property rights score.  Massive government spending and protectionist trade tendencies also haven’t helped our ranking. 

However, since the United States was in twelfth place last year, we can be thankful for at least some overall improvement.  It’s pretty embarrassing that the so-called “Leader of the Free World” wasn’t even listed in last year’s economic freedom Top Ten.  Let’s hope our score continues to improve, as Townhall readers and conservatives in Congress fight for smaller government, lower taxes, and less government spending.

The day The Heritage Foundation released the 2006 Index of Economic Freedom, my husband’s beloved grandfather Roger “Happy” Hetzner passed into eternity.  Happy loved to travel, set an incredible example of financial stewardship, and was a faithful supporter of The Heritage Foundation.  He would have loved to take this tour of economic freedom with us, and thus I dedicate this column to him.  Bon Voyage, Hap.