The 2019 Index of Economic Freedom is an index developed by the Heritage Foundation. The Index covers 12 freedoms – from property rights to financial freedom – in 186 countries.

Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand retains the top three spots globally and in Asia Pacific. Globally, Hong Kong topped the world in 4 scores for financial freedom, trade freedom, business freedom and fiscal health. Singapore ranked first worldwide in the 3 scores for labor freedom, judicial effectiveness and property rights.

The Heritage Foundation defines "economic freedom" as the fundamental right of every human to control his or her own labor and property and believes that the ideals of economic freedom are strongly associated with healthier societies, cleaner environments, greater per capita wealth, human development, democracy, and poverty elimination. For more information, please visit the Heritage Foundation website below: