The United States was ranked state-by-state for peacefulness by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The 2011 ranking was based on 5 indicators: homicide rates, violent crimes, percentage of population in jail, number of police officers and availability of small arms. On that basis the institute found peace improved 8% overall from 1995 to 2009. Maine was ranked most peaceful based on 3 indicators: violent crimes, number of police officers and incarceration rate. New Hampshire was ranked #2; Vermont, #3; Minnesota, #4; and North Dakota, #5. Louisiana was ranked the least peaceful state – which leaves Louisianans in a “state of shock”.
The United States was also ranked state-by-state for the best state in which to make a living. The Web site MoneyRates based its 2011 ranking on unemployment, average wages, tax rates and cost of living to find where to live most comfortably after state taxes and fixed expenses. Illinois ranked #1 with an adjusted average income of $41,987. Washington was #2 with an adjusted average income of $41,456, Texas was #3 with $41,427, Virginia was #4 with $41,120 and Delaware was #5 with $39,105. Hawaii - with an adjusted average income of $22,108 - was ranked #50. Unfortunately, that’s not a “mis-state-ment”.
The United States used to be the only country with more than 100 billionaires. That changed in 2011. China has 115 and Russia has 101. Two other records were also broken: number of billionaires – 1,210 and combined wealth - $4.5 trillion. Brazil, China, India and Russia produced 108 of the 214 new billionaires. In fact, they are home to 25% of them – up from 10% in 2006. The world’s richest person is Mexico’s Carlos Slim Helu with $74 billion, followed by Bill Gates with $56 billion and Warren Buffet with $50 billion. Obviously, the billionaire list is a new type of “Rich-ter” scale.
Finally, the United States ranked #6 out of 139 countries for competitiveness in travel and tourism. That’s according to the World Economic Forum’s 2011 report. The report measures factors like health and safety, infrastructure, prices, culture and environmental protection. Although the U.S ranked #1 for natural resources, its environmental sustainability ranking was #105. Switzerland was #1 overall. In spite of being #127 for price competiveness, Switzerland was ranked high for safety and security, transportation, infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Rounding out the top 5 were Germany, France, Austria and Sweden. Considering a vacation? Maybe “You-rope”.
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