7 Most Progressive Countries in the World

Kathleen Corrigan | October 8, 2015

New Zealand

This kiwi loving country actually topped the list of the world’s most socially progressive countries in 2014. It scored the highest on more than 50 indicators including health, personal freedoms, education, safety and tolerance. New Zealand has long been an example of equality, dating back to when it granted women the right to vote way back in 1893 – 27 years before America did. Since that, it has had high percentages of women in parliament and was the first nation to have the top three positions filled by women simultaneously.

So why are New Zealanders so progressive? Some studies show that being exposed to nature can make you calmer, happier and even nicer. Maybe if you lived in Middle Earth, you’d be a happy hobbit too.

Mawardi Bahar / Shutterstock.com

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