The private sector owns and operates the factors of production under capitalism. This implies that the economy is governed by the people themselves, without the government becoming involved in the production or price of goods and services.
Instead, the price is determined by the market. To put it another way, this indicates that the value of a product is determined by supply and demand.
Unlike socialism and communism, capitalism places few or no restrictions on the free market. Capitalism is widely seen as a vital aspect of democracy and the “American Dream” in the United States, and many Americans consider it as such.
The American spirit is also tapped into capitalism, which is more “free” than government-managed alternatives.
According to a 2021 analysis from The Heritage Foundation & Global Finance Magazine, the United States does not even make the top 10 of the world’s most capitalistic nations.
The following nations have the most capitalist economies, as measured by the Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom of the World Index:
Top 10 Most Capitalist Economies in the World (2021 Heritage Economic Freedom Index)
- Singapore (Freedom score: 89.7)
- New Zealand (83.9)
- Australia (82.4)
- Switzerland (81.9)
- Ireland (81.4)
- Taiwan (78.6)
- United Kingdom (78.4)
- Estonia (78.2)
- Canada (77.9)
- Denmark (77.8)
List of the 10 Most Capitalist Economies in the World for 2018 by Fraser Institute –
- Hong Kong (China)
- Singapore
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Australia
- United States
- Mauritius
- Georgia
- Canada
- Ireland
Capitalism has both advantages and disadvantages. As one example, capitalism encourages competition, which typically leads to both innovation & affordability, with the best items selling for the lowest feasible costs. Another advantage is increased economic activity.
However, one of capitalism’s greatest drawbacks is the lack of equality of opportunity it fosters. It’s possible that some individuals won’t have the same chances as others.
In addition, the free market’s unfettered “supply and demand” nature might lead to excessively high prices for those with lesser incomes.
Is there absolute capitalism?
Yes, this is possible in theory. There has never been a nation that has attained a completely free-market economy, “laissez-faire,” or capitalism. Mixed economies are found in all capitalist economies to some extent. The following is a list of notable cases.
Is the United States a capitalist country?
Definitely, but not entirely. A “mixed market economy” refers to the fact that the United States combines elements of both socialism and capitalism.
United States businesses (such as manufacturers and importers) operate for profit rather than for the public good. A distinctly capitalist perspective may be seen in this strategy. Despite this, the United States is not a capitalist society due to laws, taxes, and certain subsidies.
Education, roads, health services, and mail delivery are all areas in which the government has some degree of influence.
Agricultural producers, energy firms, and financial institutions benefit from government subsidies. Businesses must also register with government authorities and get government-approved permits for specific operations.
Is Russia a capitalist country?
In some ways, it’s on the cusp. Many people think of Russia as a socialist country, but the reality is more nuanced. A “state capitalist” economy, according to some analysts, and a “mixed market” one, according to others.
State capitalism is a kind of capitalism in which the state owns the means of production and engages in for-profit economic activities.
State-owned enterprises employ 20 million people in Russia, accounting for around 55 percent of the country’s total economic output (28 percent of the workforce). In addition, Russia’s lack of billionaires renders the nation’s socialism deficient.
Do you think Japan is a capitalist country?
It is possible, but in a different form, “Collective capitalism” is the kind of capitalism practiced in Japan. Workers in Japan’s collective capitalist system are often rewarded for their devotion and hard work with job security, pensions, & social support from their employers.
With long-term partnerships, such as a company holding shares in another company, collective capitalism encourages collaboration between firms since they are engaged in one another’s success.
Also See: CAPE Ratio by Country 2022
Below is a table listing all nations and their amount of capitalist freedom. Nations scoring 70 or more are typically regarded as capitalist, whereas those scoring 60.0-69.9 are considered borderline capitalist countries.
Rank | Country | Index of Economic Freedom - Heritage 2021 | Economic Freedom Score - Fraser 2020 (2018 data) | 2022 Population |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Singapore | 89.7000 | 8.6500 | 5943.5460 |
2 | New Zealand | 83.9000 | 8.5300 | 4898.2030 |
3 | Australia | 82.4000 | 8.2300 | 26068.7920 |
4 | Switzerland | 81.9000 | 8.4300 | 8773.6370 |
5 | Ireland | 81.4000 | 8.1300 | 5020.1990 |
6 | Taiwan | 78.6000 | 7.9400 | 23888.5950 |
7 | United Kingdom | 78.4000 | 8.0800 | 68497.9070 |
8 | Estonia | 78.2000 | 7.9600 | 1321.9100 |
9 | Canada | 77.9000 | 8.1700 | 38388.4190 |
10 | Denmark | 77.8000 | 8.1000 | 5834.9500 |
11 | Iceland | 77.4000 | 7.7100 | 345.3930 |
12 | Georgia | 77.2000 | 8.1800 | 3968.7380 |
13 | Mauritius | 77 | 8.2100 | 1274.7270 |
15 | Lithuania | 76.9000 | 8.1000 | 2661.7080 |
14 | United Arab Emirates | 76.9000 | 7.0500 | 10081.7850 |
16 | Netherlands | 76.8000 | 7.8200 | 17211.4470 |
17 | Finland | 76.1000 | 7.7600 | 5554.9600 |
18 | Luxembourg | 76 | 7.7500 | 642.3710 |
19 | Chile | 75.2000 | 7.9600 | 19250.1950 |
20 | United States | 74.8000 | 8.2200 | 334805.2690 |
21 | Sweden | 74.7000 | 7.5800 | 10218.9710 |
22 | Malaysia | 74.4000 | 7.5800 | 33181.0720 |
23 | Japan | 74.1000 | 7.8800 | 125584.8380 |
24 | South Korea | 74 | 7.6900 | 51329.8990 |
25 | Austria | 73.9000 | 7.8000 | 9066.7100 |
27 | Israel | 73.8000 | 7.6200 | 8922.8920 |
26 | Czech Republic | 73.8000 | 7.8100 | 10736.7840 |
28 | Norway | 73.4000 | 7.6000 | 5511.3700 |
29 | Germany | 72.5000 | 7.8500 | 83883.5960 |
30 | Latvia | 72.3000 | 7.8900 | 1848.8370 |
31 | Qatar | 72 | 6.8800 | 2979.9150 |
32 | Armenia | 71.9000 | 7.9200 | 2971.9660 |
33 | Cyprus | 71.4000 | 7.8400 | 1223.3870 |
34 | Kazakhstan | 71.1000 | 7.1200 | 19205.0430 |
35 | Bulgaria | 70.4000 | 7.7400 | 6844.5970 |
36 | Malta | 70.2000 | 7.9400 | 444.0330 |
38 | Azerbaijan | 70.1000 | 6.3700 | 10300.2050 |
37 | Belgium | 70.1000 | 7.5600 | 11668.2780 |
40 | Bahrain | 69.9000 | 7.1600 | 1783.9830 |
39 | Spain | 69.9000 | 7.7300 | 46719.1420 |
42 | Poland | 69.7000 | 7.0400 | 37739.7850 |
41 | Thailand | 69.7000 | 6.7500 | 70078.2030 |
43 | Romania | 69.5000 | 7.8300 | 19031.3350 |
44 | Uruguay | 69.3000 | 7.2500 | 3496.0160 |
45 | Jamaica | 69 | 7.6900 | 2985.0940 |
46 | North Macedonia | 68.6000 | 7.1500 | 2081.3040 |
48 | Slovenia | 68.3000 | 7.3300 | 2078.0340 |
47 | Rwanda | 68.3000 | 7.3900 | 13600.4640 |
49 | Colombia | 68.1000 | 6.7100 | 51512.7620 |
50 | Peru | 67.7000 | 7.7600 | 33684.2080 |
51 | Botswana | 67.6000 | 7.6000 | 2441.1620 |
52 | Portugal | 67.5000 | 7.6000 | 10140.5700 |
54 | Serbia | 67.2000 | 7.0500 | 8653.0160 |
53 | Hungary | 67.2000 | 7.4400 | 9606.2590 |
55 | Indonesia | 66.9000 | 7.3900 | 279134.5050 |
57 | Seychelles | 66.3000 | 7.4900 | 99.4260 |
56 | Slovakia | 66.3000 | 7.6300 | 5460.1930 |
58 | Panama | 66.2000 | 7.8000 | 4446.9640 |
59 | Saudi Arabia | 66 | 6.3100 | 35844.9090 |
60 | France | 65.7000 | 7.4000 | 65584.5180 |
61 | Mexico | 65.5000 | 7.2100 | 131562.7720 |
62 | Albania | 65.2000 | 7.8000 | 2866.3740 |
63 | Barbados | 65 | 6.2200 | 288.0230 |
64 | Italy | 64.9000 | 7.5100 | 60262.7700 |
67 | Bahamas | 64.6000 | 7.6200 | 400.5160 |
66 | Oman | 64.6000 | 6.7900 | 5323.9930 |
65 | Jordan | 64.6000 | 7.6200 | 10300.8690 |
68 | Costa Rica | 64.2000 | 7.6200 | 5182.3540 |
70 | Kuwait | 64.1000 | 6.6000 | 4380.3260 |
69 | Philippines | 64.1000 | 7.4300 | 112508.9940 |
72 | Guatemala | 64 | 7.7000 | 18584.0390 |
71 | Turkey | 64 | 6.6200 | 85561.9760 |
73 | Kyrgyzstan | 63.7000 | 6.9900 | 6728.2710 |
74 | Croatia | 63.6000 | 7.3600 | 4059.2860 |
75 | Montenegro | 63.4000 | 6.9400 | 627.9500 |
76 | Morocco | 63.3000 | 6.7000 | 37772.7560 |
77 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 62.9000 | 6.9000 | 3249.3170 |
79 | Namibia | 62.6000 | 6.5200 | 2633.8740 |
78 | Paraguay | 62.6000 | 7.2300 | 7305.8430 |
80 | Moldova | 62.5000 | 6.9900 | 4013.1710 |
81 | Mongolia | 62.4000 | 7.4300 | 3378.0780 |
82 | Fiji | 62.2000 | 6.5000 | 909.4660 |
83 | Dominican Republic | 62.1000 | 7.5800 | 11056.3700 |
85 | Ivory Coast | 61.7000 | 6.0900 | 27742.2980 |
84 | Vietnam | 61.7000 | 6.2000 | 98953.5410 |
86 | Russia | 61.5000 | 6.7400 | 145805.9470 |
87 | Tanzania | 61.3000 | 6.7300 | 63298.5500 |
89 | El Salvador | 61 | 7.4100 | 6550.3890 |
88 | Belarus | 61 | 6.3500 | 9432.8000 |
90 | Greece | 60.9000 | 6.7100 | 10316.6370 |
91 | Honduras | 59.8000 | 7.2800 | 10221.2470 |
92 | South Africa | 59.7000 | 6.7300 | 60756.1350 |
93 | Benin | 59.6000 | 6.2000 | 12784.7260 |
94 | Ghana | 59.2000 | 6.6500 | 32395.4500 |
95 | Trinidad and Tobago | 59 | 7.2600 | 1406.5850 |
96 | Papua New Guinea | 58.9000 | 6.3900 | 9292.1690 |
97 | Nigeria | 58.7000 | 6.9300 | 216746.9340 |
98 | Uganda | 58.6000 | 7.5500 | 48432.8630 |
99 | China | 58.4000 | 6.2100 | 1448471.4000 |
100 | Bhutan | 58.3000 | 6.6300 | 787.9410 |
101 | Gabon | 58.1000 | 5.8600 | 2331.5330 |
102 | Senegal | 58 | 6.2700 | 17653.6710 |
103 | Madagascar | 57.7000 | 6.2000 | 29178.0770 |
105 | Belize | 57.5000 | 6.6000 | 412.1900 |
104 | Togo | 57.5000 | 6.2500 | 8680.8370 |
106 | Guyana | 57.4000 | 6.6800 | 794.0450 |
107 | Cambodia | 57.3000 | 7.2800 | 17168.6390 |
108 | Tunisia | 56.6000 | 6.0700 | 12046.6560 |
111 | Guinea | 56.5000 | 5.5700 | 13865.6910 |
110 | Burkina Faso | 56.5000 | 5.8500 | 22102.8380 |
109 | India | 56.5000 | 6.5600 | 1406631.7760 |
112 | Nicaragua | 56.3000 | 7.0500 | 6779.1000 |
113 | Ukraine | 56.2000 | 6.0600 | 43192.1220 |
114 | Mauritania | 56.1000 | 6.2200 | 4901.9810 |
116 | Sri Lanka | 55.7000 | 6.8800 | 21575.8420 |
115 | Egypt | 55.7000 | 5.3800 | 106156.6920 |
117 | Mali | 55.6000 | 5.9300 | 21473.7640 |
118 | Tajikistan | 55.2000 | 6.0500 | 9957.4640 |
119 | Eswatini | 55.1000 | 6.2700 | 1184.8170 |
121 | Guinea-Bissau | 54.9000 | 5.4600 | 2063.3670 |
120 | Kenya | 54.9000 | 6.8400 | 56215.2210 |
122 | Angola | 54.2000 | 4.7500 | 35027.3430 |
123 | Laos | 53.9000 | 6.6200 | 7481.0230 |
124 | Lesotho | 53.5000 | 6.6500 | 2175.6990 |
126 | Cameroon | 53.4000 | 5.8500 | 27911.5480 |
125 | Brazil | 53.4000 | 6.5600 | 215353.5930 |
127 | Malawi | 53 | 5.7900 | 20180.8390 |
128 | Argentina | 52.7000 | 5.7800 | 46010.2340 |
129 | Ecuador | 52.4000 | 6.4600 | 18113.3610 |
132 | Sierra Leone | 51.7000 | 5.8700 | 8306.4360 |
131 | Ethiopia | 51.7000 | 5.6100 | 120812.6980 |
130 | Pakistan | 51.7000 | 6.0700 | 229488.9940 |
133 | Mozambique | 51.6000 | 5.9400 | 33089.4610 |
134 | Lebanon | 51.4000 | 6.8800 | 6684.8490 |
135 | Haiti | 50.8000 | 6.5800 | 11680.2830 |
136 | Nepal | 50.7000 | 6.4800 | 30225.5820 |
138 | Chad | 50.4000 | 5.7100 | 17413.5800 |
137 | Zambia | 50.4000 | 7.1900 | 19470.2340 |
139 | Burundi | 49.9000 | 5.9400 | 12624.8400 |
140 | Algeria | 49.7000 | 4.9700 | 45350.1480 |
141 | Liberia | 49.2000 | 6.2800 | 5305.1170 |
142 | DR Congo | 49 | 5.1500 | 95240.7920 |
143 | Central African Republic | 48.8000 | 5.2700 | 5016.6780 |
144 | Iran | 47.2000 | 4.8000 | 86022.8370 |
145 | Suriname | 46.4000 | 6.3700 | 596.8310 |
146 | Timor-Leste | 44.7000 | 6.2900 | 1369.4290 |
147 | Bolivia | 42.7000 | 6.3000 | 11992.6560 |
148 | Zimbabwe | 39.5000 | 5.1200 | 15331.4280 |
149 | Sudan | 39.1000 | 4.2100 | 45992.0200 |
150 | Venezuela | 24.7000 | 3.3400 | 29266.9910 |
157 | Brunei | 6.6000 | 445.4310 | |
156 | Libya | 4.7200 | 7040.7450 | |
155 | Hong Kong | 8.9400 | 7604.2990 | |
154 | Syria | 5.4500 | 19364.8090 | |
153 | Yemen | 5.5100 | 31154.8670 | |
152 | Iraq | 5.6100 | 42164.9650 | |
151 | Myanmar | 5.8100 | 55227.1430 |