New Zealand's 9th place in the ranking, tied with Denmark, is attributable to a consistently strong score across many of the indicators.

Since a government decision in the 1980s to embrace free market reform, New Zealand has been transformed into a prosperous and diversified economy.

A landmark free-trade agreement with China was signed in April 2008.

As a major agricultural exporter, New Zealand is expected to benefit from high global food prices.

The country's unspoiled natural beauty attracts many international visitors, with tourism accounting for 9 per cent of GDP.

Image: Members of the Tuhoe tribe march past the flag pole on Waitangi Day on February 6, 2008 in Waitangi, New Zealand. | Photograph: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images

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