Around the globe, quality of life and progress are being re-assessed. The December 7, 2011 Progress Index of the Center for Societal Progress so far is the only index that summarizes the economic, social and ecological aspects of progress,
 and that is available for 22 countries over the period from 1970 until 2009.

It consists of four components: income, health, education and the natural environment. The main findings of the new edition are:

            ∙ Norway, Sweden and Switzerland were the most advanced countries in 2009.

            ∙ Germany ranked 5th behind Japan, but ahead of the USA.

            ∙ Denmark, Belgium and Portugal were at the bottom of the ranking.

            ∙ Over the past ten years, the quality of life has improved in all 22 countries.

            ∙ From 1999 to 2009, South Korea and Germany have made the largest progress.

            ∙ Only little improvement was recorded for Italy, Switzerland and the USA. 
The Progress Index is mainly calculated for a German audience. The 60- page study in German includes sections on each of the four index components, a discussion of five other composite measures of progress, several country portraits and special sections on progress initiatives in other countries at the national and local level. It also includes a list of references and a longer appendix.

(The full report is available as a downloadable PDF below.)

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.

*[This report was first published by Center for Societal Progress on December 7, 2011.]