Small independent European countries are dominating international prosperity rankings, with Ireland, Denmark, Finland and Norway all among the seven highest performing nations.
The SNP has seized on the latest Prosperity Index analysis to argue that the performance of countries with populations and economic resources comparable to Scotland strengthens the case for independence.
The rankings examine countries across a range of measures including living standards, education and health.
According to the analysis highlighted by the party, the UK sits considerably further down the rankings in 18th place, with healthcare and living standards among its weaker areas.
The SNP argues the results challenge the suggestion that Scotland’s relatively small population would be an economic disadvantage if it became an independent country.
Instead, it points towards the performance of smaller European countries including Norway and Ireland as evidence that population size does not prevent countries achieving high living standards and strong public services.
However, the rankings themselves measure outcomes across different countries rather than establishing that independence is responsible for those outcomes.
The conclusion that Scotland would perform better as an independent country is therefore the SNP’s political interpretation of the figures.
SNP MSP Alyn Smith said:
“This research shows that without doubt Scotland’s best possible future is as an independent nation firmly back in the heart of Europe.
“Countries that have similar population sizes and economic resources, such as Norway and Ireland, are thriving with far higher standards of living than the UK, there is no reason Scotland cannot aspire to join these nations.
“It is clear that the key difference is that these smaller countries have the ability to take decisions for themselves, as Scotland remains tethered to a Westminster system that is holding us back.
“Scotland is on a path independence and this is a key reminder of the prize once we get there: higher living standards, and a healthier, more educated population.
“That is what the ability to make our own decisions will deliver.”
The comparison with Norway and Ireland has long featured in arguments surrounding Scotland’s constitutional future because both combine relatively small populations with independent governments and substantial economies.
Denmark and Finland provide further examples of smaller northern European countries performing strongly across international measures of prosperity and public wellbeing.
What the figures cannot answer is the central political question of how an independent Scotland itself would perform, which would depend on economic policy, public finances, trade, investment and decisions made by future Scottish governments.
They do, however, demonstrate something considerably simpler.
Being a relatively small European country is no barrier in itself to becoming one of the world’s most prosperous nations.
