Seems to be a fair assessment.
However Figures from CIA are to be taken with a pinch of salt as it is notoriously inadequate and often incorrect.
You can check out CIA site.
This document explains the categories, metrics and methodology used in Newsweek’s ranking of the world’s best countries, and associated interactive infographic.
Population and Income Groups
Income groups are divided according to 2009 gross national income (GNI) and GNI per capita, calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.
Categories and Metrics
1. Education
Academic Achievement
Combined universal score on TIMSS and/ or PISA tests using Eric Hanushek‘s normalization methodology. For schools that do not administer these tests, an achievement score was imputed by doing a regression of literacy rate (CIA World Factbook) and average years of schooling against the universal score. [1],[2]
Quick Rationale: Captures overall efficacy of system and differentiates developing countries. Measures education achievement…..
Methodology for Creating Index
Seems to be a fair assessment.
Raw data for 100 countries were normalized on a 1-100 scale (except in Education, see note above) according to the following:
99 (country score – sample minimum) +1 / (sample maximum – sample minimum)
Sample min/max are lowest and highest country scores (with adjustment for outliers on GDP as indicated).
Each individual metric was given equal weighting within each of the five categories with some metrics being comprised of 2-3 submetrics that were also weighted equally.
Each category was weighted equally to arrive at overall index.
If high value indicates a worse outcome, index is calculated according to:
-99 (country score – sample minimum) / (sample maximum – sample minimum) + 100.
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/15/interactive-infographic-of-the-worlds-best-countries.html
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/15/world-s-best-countries-categories-metrics-and-methodology.html
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