This 7th global economic freedom report, by James Gwartney and Robert Lawson, ranks 123 nations for 2001, the most recent year for which data are available. The report also updates data in earlier reports in instances where data have been revised. The key ingredients of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and protection of the person and property. Economic freedom liberates individuals and families from government dependence and gives them charge of their own future.Empirical research shows this spurs economic growth by unleashing dynamism. It also leads to democracy and other freedoms as people are unfettered from government dependence.