NZ improves in digital world rankings

New Zealand has jumped a spot in the Economist's annual digital economy rankings, while Aussie has dropped three places. Photo / Kenny Rodger

New Zealand moved up one spot to 10th place in the world 2010 "digital economy rankings" compiled by the Economist's Intelligence Unit.

The British magazine's annual survey of 70 nations was until this year known as the "e-readiness" rankings.

The Economist said today New Zealand's rise reflected strengths in social and cultural environment and the legal environment.

New Zealand ranked behind, in order, Sweden, Denmark, the United States, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Australia slipped to 9th from 6th last year.

The survey said individuals and organisations across much of the globe now connected to the internet and telecommunications networks on a regular basis.

"Connectivity" was no longer an exclusively rich-world luxury.

"The countries in the rankings may thus be said to have achieved a state of 'e-readiness'.

- NZPA