Pongo, well Finland have rather strict immigration policies, Denmark and Sweden lax. All countries have highly developed welfare systems, corresponding high taxes, many party political system. People aren't voted into office for say prosecutor (great idea, but look what happens
).
Uhm. Highly developed moral sense, maybe? As in not accepting any form of corruption, and in "give everyone an extra break" in social terms. Small military forces, small populations. Decent to good economies. High literacy levels, low pollution levels, equality well developed. Low income inequality. Shared history, during much of it there was constant wars. Good beer and liquors.
But, mostly I just think it's a zero tolerance policy towards corruption or "not playing on the same field and same rules". "Hey man, he is making money on this, unfair!" And some good journalists that constantly are trying to dig up scandals
.
The US in 8th place - not bad for such a big country with obvious possibilities for corruption (read, fund raising for offices). Thought the US would be around 14-15 or or so, so positive surprise.
With small countries like the Scandinavian ones, it's more of a grass root thing - politics aren't abstracted that much from real life, and the politicians themselves are just persons, most of which are annoying.
In the US, a senator or congressman has lots of status. Politicians here do not quite have as much.
I dunno. But it's good to show the world that even tiny non powerful countries with developed welfare systems can do something right
.
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StSanta
JG54 "Grünherz"
"If you died a stones throw from your wingie; you did no wrong". - Hangtime
