The Netherlands ranks number one in the world in terms of overall connectedness, according to DHL’s new Global Connectedness Index, which ranks 125 countries according to the depth and breadth of their integration into the world economy and also examines the relationship between global connectedness and welfare.
Hong Kong scores the highest regarding the depth of its international connections, and the United Kingdom tops the list for the breadth of its connections.
“This research provides evidence that a connected world is a better world, in terms of global welfare and individual development. The free trade of products and services contributes significantly to global prosperity,” said Roger Crook, chief executive officer, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight.
The 2011 index found that the ten most connected countries are the Netherlands, Singapore, Ireland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Hong Kong (China) and Malta.
Despite increasing its trade interaction in recent years, the United States came in 25th overall. The study found that the US was a leader in term of breadth (3rd), but lagged on depth (84th).
The study was conducted by Pankaj Ghemawat, professor of global strategy at the IESE Business School, Barcelona. It examined data on ten different types of international flows, covering trade, capital, information and people, over the years 2005 to 2010.