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T h e A d a m S m i t h C o r p o r a t i o n
“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
Page 2
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.
C o u n t r i e s T o M o v e T o Page 3
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
Page 4
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 state-
funded 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 Studenten-
werk. The latter provides special services to students in need.
Page 5
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five):
Smith would surely commend the Germans for spreading knowledge and educa-
tion. Kudos to them!
G e r m a n y
A small problem...
The only problem most international
students face is the language barrier.
Having an understanding of the Ger-
man language is essential. Courses
can be taken to become acquainted
with the country’s culture. Some for-
eign 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.
Page 6
Checking Up on Businesses
No More Monopolies
Tired of monopolies that re-
strict 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 com-
panies 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..
Page 7
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars):
Smith would certainly applaud Saudi Arabia for its excellent regulations, particu-
larly concerning the joint-stock companies. To him, a country that only compris-
es of private companies that work for their own benefit cause the mismanage-
ment and restricted trade. Excellent work, KSA!
S a u d i A r a b i a
Ensuring Competition for All!
The regulations on com-
panies in Saudi Arabia
ensure that there will
always be a good compe-
tition out in the field that
continue to affect the
quality and prices of
products within Saudi.
Limited Liability Compa-
nies 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.
Page 8
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 pro-
cess. 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 govern-
ment. 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.
Page 9
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 every-
one, the UAE’s taxing system allows the government to use the money in a posi-
tive manner, pouring it back into infrastructure projects and allowing the world
to behold the true wonder of a small country such as itself.
U n i t e d A r a b E m i r a t e s
How About Individuals?
However, businesses are not the only
ones that tend to benefit from UAE’s easy
taxation process. The government par-
dons individuals from paying any tax-
es...which means that even if you’re not a
citizen, you can benefit from this excel-
lent 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 ex-
tremely 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.
Page 10
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 bridg-
es. You look at your map of
this beautiful German-
speaking 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 kilome-
ters 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.
Page 11
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars):
Liechtenstein's transportation services, offered by the government, would cer-
tainly 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 Liech-
tenstein for a wonderful transportation network!
L i e c h t e n s t e i n
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. Liechten-
stein also has a public transport net-
work 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.
Page 12
The Generous Government
Caring for Everyone
There is a stipulation that govern-
ments are something never care for
the everyone in the country, one
that Ireland defies. In this country,
there are advantages for the mass-
es and individuals, providing protec-
tion. 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.
Page 13
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.
I r e l a n d
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 ser-
vices, 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 educa-
tion 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 neighbor-
hood so as to provide
easy access to every
citizen in the country..
Page 14
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 excel-
lent 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 ex-
cellently 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.
Page 15
Adam Smith’s Rating:
With such a great infrastructure, it is safe to say that Smith would applaud Swit-
zerland’s efforts to create a wonderful country.
S w i t z e r l a n d
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.
Page 16
Educating Everyone
A Priceless Education
Tired of splitting up money and
putting it aside for your chil-
dren’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 teach-
ers and parents both helping to make a fun, healthy learning experience.
Page 17
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 sup-
ports his theory that only basic education is needed, while attending to the pop-
ulation of Belgium. Good job, Belgium!
B e l g i u m
Long-Term Benefits!
Although secondary
school years do not
come for free, the suc-
cess 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.
Page 18
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.
Page 19
Adam Smith’s Rating (out of five stars):
From Smith’s point of view, such a country has gone beyond and above expecta-
tions, 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.
U n i t e d S t a t e s o f A m e r i c a
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 defen-
sive 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 varie-
ty of weapons, it also ensures that its military can deal with several territories.
Page 20
Legal System and Property Rights
One of the Best
The southernmost Scandina-
vian 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).
Page 21
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.
D e n m a r k
Property Rights
Article 73 of the Constitution of Denmark states that property rights are inviola-
ble - 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, bank-
ruptcies - 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 pun-
ished. Prison times can
range from seven days to
lifetime imprisonment.
Page 22
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 free-
dom of owning and using their prop-
erty 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.
Page 23
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 elim-
inated, as well. Measures are always taken to ensure private property is pro-
tected by the government. Smith would certainly appreciate this country’s ex-
cellent work. Congratulations, Canada!
C a n a d a
A Lustrous History
Canada has a long reputation of a gov-
ernment that has successfully fought
corruption and have succeeded in elimi-
nating it. Your property will be protect-
ed 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!
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-AND-
COMMUNICATIONS.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-in-
germany-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/