The latest IDC Information Society Index (2003) listed New Zealand amongst the top 10 countries in the world, # 2 in Civil Liberty, after Finland!

IDC redesigned and simplified the index around key IDC data points and social variables. The Index is based on IDC research including Black Book, PC Tracker, Internet Commerce Market Model, Telecom Black Book, social data from United Nations and others.

This year they enhanced focus on wireless and broadband variables, and included new variables like Government Corruption index.

What the ISI (Information Society Index) shows?

Measures ability of nations to absorb and utilize Information and Information Technology

Building blocks – PC penetration, Internet usage

Growth drivers – wireless subscribers, mobile web users, broadband households

Inhibitors – government corruption, civil liberty restrictions, low education levels

Ranks nations according to sophistication, infrastructure in four ‘pillars’: computer, Internet, information (telecoms), social

The Top 5 by computers are:

USA

Canada

Singapore

New Zealand

Netherlands

The Top 5 by Civil Liberties index are:

Finland

New Zealand

Sweden

Norway

Denmark

The Top 10 list (in order):

Sweden

Denmark

Netherlands

Norway

Finland

New Zealand

Switzerland

USA

Austria

Canada

So, by these standards, New Zealand with 4 million people is well positioned in terms of living and knowledge society. Well done folks .

Follow the link to the IDC website (free registration required) and you'll find a PowerPoint presentation with all figures, including a list with top 50 countries.