Effective modes of transport are a vital component of a functioning economy. They enable entrepreneurs to move goods and services safely and quickly, and allow workers to access the most suitable jobs.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 evaluates 140 of the world’s economies on the quality of their transport infrastructure; it assesses roads, railroads, ports and air transport, as well as the airline seat kilometres available per week.
Top spot in this year’s ranking goes to the United Arab Emirates, with a score of 6.6. The country’s rise up the rankings over the past five years is underpinned by its highly developed infrastructure. This relegates Singapore from joint first last year, to equal second with Hong Kong. Both scored 6.5, putting them clear of the Netherlands in fourth.
In addition to the Netherlands, other European nations appear on the list, with Spain in sixth, France in seventh and Germany in eighth. The top 10 is completed by Japan, the United States and Malaysia.
The data for this ranking is taken from the Forum’s Executive Opinion Survey and the International Air Transport Association.
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Author: Joe Myers is a Digital Content Producer at Formative Content.
Image: Cunard cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 docks at Port Rashid in Dubai April 2, 2012, with the Burj Khalifa in the background. REUTERS/Jumana El Heloueh
