The Adam Smith Corporation
“Your Guide to a Wonderful Home” Interested in Moving? Make the right choices! Review the options! Look towards the best!
Featuring Adam Smith’s rating based on
Wealth of Nations, Book Five
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A Short Biography of Adam Smith Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Adam Smith is an alumnus of the University of Glasgow. An academe, Smith delivered several lectures and tutored the young duke of Buccleuch for more than two years. He subsequently returned to Kirkcaldy, where he wrote The Wealth of Nations. The book was published in 1776, the same year that the American Declaration of Independence was signed. Smith never married and died in 1790. Throughout this magazine, Smith rates countries out of five, to demonstrate which he would believe were the best. None of them are ideal, of course.
Countries To Move To
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Table of Contents Germany……………………………………………………………4 Saudi Arabia……………………………………………………..6 United Arab Emirates……………………………………….8 Liechtenstein……………………………………………………10
Ireland……………………………………………………………...12 Switzerland………………………………………………………14 Belgium…………………………………………………………….16 United States of America………………………………..18
Denmark………………………………………………………….20 Canada…………………………………………………………….22
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Seeking Knowledge...for Free! Looking for Higher Education? Adam Smith has made it very clear in Book Five of the Wealth of Nations that he wants free public education for everyone regardless of their financial situation. Germany, as of 2014, has made all of its statefunded universities completely free of charge. This applies not only to the Germans, but also to foreigners. Anyone from anywhere in the world can complete their higher education in Germany without any payment. Tuition fees were looked down upon by many and were often criticized, even though they were quite low compared to most other countries. All the students need to pay is an administration fees to pay for public transport and to support Studentenwerk. The latter provides special services to students in need.
Germany
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A small problem... The only problem most international students face is the language barrier. Having an understanding of the German language is essential. Courses can be taken to become acquainted with the country’s culture. Some foreign students may find college life different because of a complete change in culture. Regardless, German universities provide sophisticated education for free. This offer surprisingly isn’t too good to be true. Higher public education is in reality, free for all.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five): Smith would surely commend the Germans for spreading knowledge and education. Kudos to them!
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Checking Up on Businesses No More Monopolies Tired of monopolies that restrict you from starting your own business? Want to share your fresh ideas with the world? Well Saudi Arabia is the place for you to start. Saudi Arabia regulates companies so that they do not gain too much power and become a monopoly. No single person can hold the shares of the company as there is always a minimum set. Be it a Joint Stock Company where you need a minimum of 5 shareholders or be it a Limited Liability Company where you need a minimum of 2, companies are always controlled by multiple owners..
Saudi Arabia
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Ensuring Competition for All! The regulations on companies in Saudi Arabia ensure that there will always be a good competition out in the field that continue to affect the quality and prices of products within Saudi. Limited Liability Companies set a maximum of 50 shareholders so that the companies continue to move at a nice pace and are not slowed down by the many shareholders.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): Smith would certainly applaud Saudi Arabia for its excellent regulations, particularly concerning the joint-stock companies. To him, a country that only comprises of private companies that work for their own benefit cause the mismanagement and restricted trade. Excellent work, KSA!
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The Land of Successful Businessmen Setting Up A Business Often times, it is very difficult to set up a business--from legal systems to heavy taxes, governments are known to make it an arduous process. If you are looking to set up a successful business, fly over to the small country of United Arab Emirates! Not only does the government see no difference in levying taxes between foreign and local businesses, it ensures that emerging businesses are not responsible for paying heavy taxes to the government. In fact, to be part of a firm, one only has to report to the government in four payments--spending only 12 hours in doing so! Furthermore, electronic payment means no hassle in the form of paperwork--just fill out a form online and voila! You are good to go.
United Arab Emirates
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How About Individuals? However, businesses are not the only ones that tend to benefit from UAE’s easy taxation process. The government pardons individuals from paying any taxes...which means that even if you’re not a citizen, you can benefit from this excellent plan! None of your income will go towards the UAE. Although there are a few taxes that the government enacts on property, they are meant to systematically target those who the government is aware are rich enough to pay for it. For example, property in the UAE is extremely expensive--thus, those who can afford it are very rich. This means that small percentages of the earnings go to the government, but they are so miniscule that they can be easily disregarded. There is only a 2% tax on the transfer of property, between a 2% and 15% tax on property, and a 5% for rent--all imposed on those that own property. Tourists do end up paying a small tax, but they are for the payment of hotels and restaurants.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): The UAE provides such a simple way of setting up businesses, charging taxes that are more than appropriate for the residents of the UAE. Adam Smith would certainly agree with its system--not only is it efficient and beneficial for everyone, the UAE’s taxing system allows the government to use the money in a positive manner, pouring it back into infrastructure projects and allowing the world to behold the true wonder of a small country such as itself.
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Travel Anywhere, Anytime! The Road to Ruggell You are in Valduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. As you step off the bus, you take in the well-paved roads and bridges. You look at your map of this beautiful Germanspeaking country, and decide to drive a rent-a-car to Ruggell, all the way up north. What you can see there, you don’t know. But it’s the northernmost municipality and you want to enjoy the scenery. So you turn on Google Maps, and drive off to your adventure. You take the A13 (footnote: Google Maps). The pavement is smooth, clean. Your car hardly makes a sound, and you take advantage of the silence to enjoy the nature on either side of the road. Sweet, sweet Liechtenstein. You put my coun-
try to shame, with its hole-filled roads and road projects that have been going on forever. You notice that the main road branches out into other paths every few kilometers or so. You wonder where those roads lead, and promise to follow every single one of them. But first: Ruggell. You see a sign on the road, and estimate that you’ll reach your destination in about five minutes.
Liechtenstein
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Thanks to the government... Liechtenstein has a road network of about 380 kilometers: 120 are main roads maintained by the state, while 260 km are maintained by the eleven municipalities. These roads are not only used by locals, but also by travelers from neighboring countries who use them to travel cross-border. Liechtenstein also has a public transport network of buses that runs along the main routes in the country. Trains are also available, with four stations run by the Austrian Federal Railways connecting Liechtenstein to Switzerland and Austria.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): Liechtenstein's transportation services, offered by the government, would certainly appeal to Adam Smith. As part of the governmental public works, smooth transportation for both tourists and officials would make trading simple. There would be no hassle for private companies to build such roads. Hats off to Liechtenstein for a wonderful transportation network!
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The Generous Government Caring for Everyone There is a stipulation that governments are something never care for the everyone in the country, one that Ireland defies. In this country, there are advantages for the masses and individuals, providing protection. This government does not have self-interests and use their money for the good of their country. Fortunately, in Ireland, no one needs to worry about being neglected by the government. If you believe you are not getting enough help, you will surely find a public works office near your house or in your neighborhood to help you out 24/7 in this wonderful country.
Ireland
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Anytime, anywhere! It does not matter what problem you are in, the OPW (Office Public Works), is there for all kinds of troubles, from public services, to floods or other sector problems. It does not even matter what ethnicity, age or class you are, they are always to help you. Not only do they help you, but you have a chance to contribute to their works through their charity events. Not only do the charity events make your day amazing through their arts and history, but they help poor kids gain education as education in Ireland is required for everyone. They also help businessmen improve and help newcomers with financial aid. It is an open and vast program that is there to help everyone and every kind of person throughout the country so no one is left behind. The best thing is that their offices are in every neighborhood so as to provide easy access to every citizen in the country..
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): Ireland’s public works system is to be commended. From a fantastic provision of public services to institutes that are always open, Smith would appreciate the efforts of the government to maintain public works which benefit society as a whole. With its availability and variety of resources for citizens, Ireland has proven itself worthy of Smith’s approval in this Top 10 list.
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Easy Come, Easy Go Wonderful Infrastructure Infrastructure consists of the basic physical systems of a country. These systems include roads and utilities. According to Smith an excellent infrastructure is essential for a country to grow and prosper. Switzerland is a country with one of the best infrastructures is the world. Its extensive and well-developed transportation is world famous. Many people are familiar with its complex road network. The Swiss trains are also known to be very comfortable and efficient. The country’s safe tunnels and bridges make travel through even the roughest terrain as easy as eating pie. Travel through the Alps especially, is smooth and enjoyable. In the past it was difficult to travel between northern and southern Europe due to the mountains. That is not longer an issue with the excellently engineered transportation system. The world’s longest automobile tunnel, Saint Gotthard Road Tunnel, is located in Switzerland.
A Must-Take Trip The Swiss Federal Railways operate around 5000km of tracks, most of which are electrical. Train stations are accessible in most locations in Switzerland, making train travel an essential part of life there. The country has Europe’s highest train station, Jungfraujoch, at 3455 m. Even with natural barriers, Switzerland is known for the punctuality of its train service. Every visitor should travel on the scenic train route.
Switzerland
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A Widespread System The highway system is also very widespread with the roads totaling more than 71011 km. The extensive bus system across the country is known to be punctual. Waterways are also used for commercial purposes. Its lakes are very popular for cruises. The modern marine network with about 30 ocean-going vessels based abroad carries out river cargo services via the Rhine River. The port of Basel is a major trading hub with well-organized connections between rail, road, and water routes. The country also has a large resource of hydroelectric power in the Alpine Rivers flowing down from glaciers.
Adam Smith’s Rating: With such a great infrastructure, it is safe to say that Smith would applaud Switzerland’s efforts to create a wonderful country.
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Educating Everyone A Priceless Education Tired of splitting up money and putting it aside for your children’s education? Well worry no more, and escape to Belgium where your child’s education needs are regarded for. Belgium offers each child free education during their pre-education and primary school years. Not only that, but the secondary school years are almost free too, with you only spending money from your pockets for textbooks.
A High School Attendance Did you know that Belgium has one of the highest school attendances in all of Europe? At the age of 5 almost 99% of all children in Belgium are enrolled in school. The conditions set within the school environment are great, with teachers and parents both helping to make a fun, healthy learning experience .
Belgium
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Long-Term Benefits! Although secondary school years do not come for free, the success rates of student that graduate is high. The rigorous study leads to diplomas that are accepted by universities all around the world, allowing for your students to have a successful experience in going abroad.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): Due to Belgium’s willingness to educate its youth from an early age, Smith would agree that this is one of the most beneficial governments in the world. It supports his theory that only basic education is needed, while attending to the population of Belgium. Good job, Belgium!
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Forever Safe, Forever Mine Solving a Major Issue One of the biggest issues that the world faces today is security--and if you’re looking for a place where no such threat exists, move to the USA! Known for its gargantuan military, the USA provides all of its citizens with a reassurance of safety. Never again will you have to worry about your children going outside on their own or having to raise them in a war-torn country. The USA government promises that their military will keep out any invaders, keeping you and your family safe.
United States of America
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Impressive Technology and Friends With the largest military budget in the world, comprising of $680 billion dollars, the US government has portrayed itself as the most defensive country in the world. In fact, the last time that the US was attacked on home soil was against Pancho Villa in the late 19th century. Since then, the US has experienced tranquility in terms of foreign invaders--no one dares attack the country who, at the snap of their fingers, are able to fully conquer a country with the most advanced military weapons in the world. From Ford-class Aircraft Carriers to Virginia Class submarines, not only does the US have the most variety of weapons, it also ensures that its military can deal with several territories.
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars): From Smith’s point of view, such a country has gone beyond and above expectations, providing its citizens with what he clearly believes is the “first duty of the state.” Every country should endeavour to provide security, first and foremost, Smith says. The United States of America is not a country to contest with, a fact and matter that Smith would thoroughly applaud, had he been alive today.
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Legal System and Property Rights One of the Best The southernmost Scandinavian country brings to mind a colorful Viking history amidst a natural landscape of rolling plains and sandy coastlines. Composed of a peninsula and 443 islands, of which 72 are inhabited, Denmark has a reputation of being one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The Danes have a very high degree of trust in other people and in the system, which is one of the reasons why the Danish legal system is the best in the world (WJP Rule of Law Index 2014).
Absence of Corruption Transparency is a common theme in Denmark. It is especially prevalent among public and private institutions, which are required by law to publicly report on such matters as tax information to ensure that they comply with anti-corruption laws. Some companies employ “whistle-blower� systems. These systems allow a person to anonymously report any instance of corruption or malpractice to the public. Thus, no company or politician is safe from the powers of the justice system: they can and will be held responsible for any act of corruption. (Especially because the media is watching with hawk -like eyes and will report everything to the public).
Denmark
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Property Rights Article 73 of the Constitution of Denmark states that property rights are inviolable - that is, when a person owns property, his property rights are protected by law. ‘Property’ is not limited to land and can include copyright (art, music, et cetera), trademark, designs, and intellectual property rights. The law will also not force you to surrender your property, unless it poses a threat to the public. Pretend that you are a lender and you have just lent money to a person so that he can purchase a house. How do you ensure that the person will pay you back? The Danish land registry keeps track of purchased property, mortgages, bankruptcies - basically anything that has to do with land property. Everything that is registered at the land registry is easily accessible online. So once the person you lent money to registers the house, the deal between the two of you becomes valid. You can rest assured that you are protected against the borrower. So don’t panic if your property (like, your bike) gets stolen in Denmark. Fines and prison sentences are in place to ensure that transgressors get punished. Prison times can range from seven days to lifetime imprisonment.
Adam Smith’s Rating: With such a flawless justice system, who is to deny that Denmark definitely needs to be on this list? Smith would definitely agree that it has enabled peace within the country, as well.
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Personal Property Protectors Your Property Will Always Be Safe Having the fear of your property being taken away is a great threat to your security and personal rights. Countries around the world have failed to carry out this simple task of giving the people their freedom of owning and using their property freely. This problem however does not and never will arrive if you fly to Canada. The country not only ensures that you are safe, but ensures that your property is too from people that can potentially take it away from you.
Canada
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A Lustrous History Canada has a long reputation of a government that has successfully fought corruption and have succeeded in eliminating it. Your property will be protected by both the common laws and the statute laws, so no longer will you have to fear any threats for your property. Not only will you have property rights, but Canada gives its people freedom so that you do not feel dissatisfied with your life. Never will you be robbed of your freedom of speech or freedom of land here in Canada. So if you are looking to escape your country and come and live the life you want, head over to Canada today!
Adam Smith’s Rating: Canada’s long history of tranquility and peace is very notable. Not only has it ensured that there are no foreign invaders, domestic problems are quickly eliminated, as well. Measures are always taken to ensure private property is protected by the government. Smith would certainly appreciate this country’s excellent work. Congratulations, Canada!
Check out these sites! http://nationalinterest.org/feature/five-american-weapons-war-china-should-fear-10466?page=2 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BUDGET-2009-BUD/pdf/BUDGET-2009-BUD-11.pdf http://www.lw.com/upload/pubcontent/_pdf/pub3507_1.pdf http://belgium.angloinfo.com/family/eu-factsheets-family/educational-system-eu/ http://www.expatica.com/be/education/schools/Education-in-Belgium_100088.html https://en.santandertrade.com/establish-overseas/united-arab-emirates/tax-system http://www.icaew.com/en/library/subject-gateways/tax/tax-by-country/united-arab-emirates http://worldjusticeproject.org/blog/index-data-spotlight-impunity-part-1 http://worldjusticeproject.org/sites/default/files/WJP_Index_Report_2012.pdf http://www.opw.ie/en/opwpublications/ http://www.heritage.org/index/ranking http://www.countriesquest.com/europe/switzerland/economy/infrastructure/transportation.htm http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Europe/Switzerland-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-ANDCOMMUNICATIONS.html http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/10/10/ germany_college_is_free_there_even_for_foreign_students_why.html http://www.internations.org/germany-expats/guide/15985-family-children-education/universities-ingermany-15993/studying-in-germany-how-it-works-2 http://propertyrightsguide.ca/are-property-rights-protected-in-canadian-law/ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/property-law/