The following can also be found on the Property Rights Alliance page.
The Property Rights Alliance is proud to announce the release of the 2011 International Property Rights Index (IPRI), which measures the intellectual and physical property rights of 129 nations from around the world. This year, sixty-seven international organizations partnered with the Property Rights Alliance in Washington, DC and its Hernando de Soto Fellowship program to produce the fifth annual IPRI.
The IPRI uses three primary areas of property rights to create a composite score: Legal and Political Environment (LP), Physical Property Rights (PPR), and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Most importantly, the IPRI emphasizes the great economic differences between countries with strong property rights and those without. Nations falling in the first quintile enjoy an average national GDP per capita of $38,350; more than double that of the second quintile with an average of $18,701. The third, fourth, and fifth quintiles average $9,316, $5,065, and $4,785 respectively.
In this year’s report, the United States fell to 18th place with a score of 7.5 out of a possible 10.0. This is the lowest the United States has scored since the reports inception in 2007. According to the report, the most significant decline is seen in the PPR subcomponent, decreasing 0.7 points to a score of 7.1. The United States highest score was in IPR with a score of 8.4.
“In a time of economic turbulence and financial uncertainty, all nations should be seeking solutions that will provide stability. Strong property rights is one key component,” stated PRA executive director Kelsey Zahourek, “While the United States still enjoys fairly strong property rights, its recent decline in the rankings should be cause for concern. From eminent domain abuses in New Jersey and California to new regulations that seek to gain control of the market, actions that weaken America’s property rights foundation pose a serious threat to its economic vitality.”
The International Property Rights Index will provide the public, researchers and policymakers, from across the globe, with a tool for comparative analysis and future research on global property rights. The Index seeks to assist underperforming countries to develop robust economies through an emphasis on sound property law.
To view entire report click here
For more information visit www.internationalpropertyrightsindex.org