The challenge is that the debate so far has been heavily focused on the economic side of independence. Yet prosperity is about far more than just wealth. New Zealand is not rich, rather its prosperity is the product of free markets, good governance, and strong society, supported by vital indicators like high levels of wellbeing and good life expectancy. Norway is not prosperous because it is rich, it is prosperous because it has used that wealth to deliver good lives for its citizens.
Using data from the global Legatum Prosperity Index™ and data from the first ever UK Prosperity Index, mapping prosperity across 389 local authority areas, we assess the opportunities and challenges for an independent Scotland beyond the simple economics. We find that the path to prosperity for Scotland is more likely successfully travelled as a part of the United Kingdom.
If Scotland were to become independent how will it impact the prosperity of future generations? The Legatum Prosperity Index™ team analyses the issue using data from the global Legatum Prosperity Index™ and data from the first ever UK Prosperity Index, mapping prosperity across 389 local authority areas.