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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 10:15 IST

A report by the Switzerland-based World Economic Forum for the year 2011-12 says that many Asian countries have better and more modern infrastructure than the United States.

Hampered by an almost unmanageable level of debt and other financial constraints, the once-awesome infrastructure in America is showing signs of neglect and deterioration and other nations are slowly but steadily overtaking the US.

The United States has slipped alarmingly on the list infrastructure systems compiled by the WEF. From being the 6th best in the world in terms of infrastructure in 2007-2008, the country has slipped to the 16th spot.

America is now beset with angry people venting their frustration over the dilapidated condition of the roads, bridges, metro rail network, etc and this is leading to a further slowdown in the economy.

The WEF says that infrastructure is one of the major pillars of evaluating a nation's competitiveness.

Efficient infrastructure is critical to ensure good functioning of the economy.

A well-developed transport and communications infrastructure network is a prerequisite for the access of less-developed communities to core economic activities and services.

Effective modes of transport, including quality roads, railroads, ports, and air transport, enable entrepreneurs to get their goods and services to market in a secure and timely manner and facilitate the movement of workers to the most suitable jobs.

Economies also depend on electricity supplies that are free of interruptions and shortages.

Finally, a solid and extensive telecommunications network allows for a rapid and free flow of information.

But before we move on the take a look at the top nations with the best infrastructure in the world, here's a word about the rankings of India and China, both of which do not feature among the top 40. For the record, the WEF has compiled a list of 142 nations.

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 10:15 IST

Rank 89. INDIA: Score -- 3.60

Infrastructure

All figures -- unless otherwise indicated as dollars, million/billion, percentage -- are the score that the WEF has given to various infrastructure aspects.

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 10:15 IST

Rank 44. CHINA: Score -- 4.63

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 1. HONG KONG: Score -- 6.71

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 2. GERMANY: Score -- 6.35

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 3. SINGAPORE: Score -- 6.33

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 4. FRANCE: Score -- 6.30

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 5. SWITZERLAND: Score -- 6.15

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 6. The UNITED KINGDOM: Score -- 6.09

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 7. The NETHERLANDS: Score -- 6.02

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 8. The UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Score -- 5.97

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 9. SOUTH KOREA: Score -- 5.94

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 10. DENMARK: Score -- 5.89

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 11. CANADA: Score -- 5.88

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 12. SPAIN: Score -- 5.83

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 13. SWEDEN: Score -- 5.74

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 14. ICELAND: Score -- 5.70

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 15. JAPAN: Score -- 5.69

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 10:15 IST
New York City traffic.

Rank 16. The UNITED STATES of AMERICA: Score -- 5.68

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 17. BELGIUM: Score -- 5.65

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 18. AUSTRIA: Score -- 5.64

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 19. FINLAND: Score -- 5.62

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 20. TAIWAN: Score -- 5.62

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 21. LUXEMBOURG: Score -- 5.61

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 22. BARBADOS: Score -- 5.49

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 23. PORTUGAL: Score -- 5.48

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 24. AUSTRALIA: Score -- 5.43

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 25. SAUDI ARABIA: Score -- 5.31

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 26. MALAYSIA: Score -- 5.22

Infrastructure

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Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!

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Rank 27. QATAR: Score -- 5.17

Infrastructure

All figures -- unless otherwise indicated as dollars, million/billion, percentage -- are the score that the WEF has given to various infrastructure aspects.