4 of 5
. Sweden
TIE
A cashier in the original IKEA store in Aelmhult, Sweden.
Sweden has risen one spot in the rankings to claim 4th place.
While competitiveness across Europe is declining, this Scandinavian country was called a "shining success" by Professor Stephane Garelli, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center.
According to IMD's survey of business leaders, the country is attractive because of its political stability, skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and effective legal environment.
But the country's tax regime is considered a clear weakness.
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Center
Methodology: The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook uses economic data and survey results to construct a ranking of 60 world economies. Countries are evaluated in four broad categories: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Methodology: The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook uses economic data and survey results to construct a ranking of 60 world economies. Countries are evaluated in four broad categories: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
- Last updated May 30 2013 09:07 AM ET
