Top Ten Most Socialist Countries

I lived in Norway for 12 years. I left because I was taxed so harshly. As a single guy with no dependents, the vast majority of my earnings went to the state. I paid an income tax close to 40%, a sales tax of 25%, and countless other taxes or hidden fees. There is a T.V. tax of somewhere around 2500kr per year - if you have a T.V., you must pay it. There is a road tax, and there are road tolls. Alcohol is taxed extremely heavily and is mostly only available through government alcohol shops. Vehicles often cost double or more than what you would pay elsewhere because of various vehicle taxes.

If you are healthy and motivated, then Norway is a horrible place to live - as you will get no benefit from their "free" healthcare. If you are sick, lazy, or a single parent, then move to Norway. You can continue living off the hard work of others (or a sovereign wealth fund paid for by oil).

I also read some comparative survey reports indicating that for the past 2-3 decades, Danes have shown the highest degree of happiness and satisfaction with life in the world.

One of the strongest welfare states in the world, also said to be the happiest country on earth.

Basically, they think all the Nordic countries are the socialist countries. I think that is true.

Everyone's favorite example to point to.

A small country (5.5 million people), known for two things:

1. Finland usually tops many of the world's best-of charts, such as the best country to live in, based on objective criteria like health, economic dynamism, education, political environment, and quality of life.

2. Finland is the country with the biggest number of metal bands per capita in the world (3,400 bands).

This country is not socialist, but it's still a better choice than many others on this list because it includes some social supports.

Comments based on assumptions and not on facts are always wrong. Shorter work hours were their policy to increase employment and social inclusion. If a person works 25 instead of 50 hours a week, there will be 25 hours left for somebody else, and one more person will be employed.

This type of thinking was part of their social agreement, and in literature, it's called "social intelligence." Lower workforce participation (US) doesn't always mean better productivity, but it always means that more people are long-term unemployed and hence excluded from the workforce, i.e., more poverty.

Canada, specifically Ontario, is undeniably under socialist control. Our alcohol is sold only in province-owned stores and distributed to restaurants and bars with heavy regulation and tax. Our citizens are highly taxed, well beyond what is needed in a country with such a small population. These taxes serve the government's model of wealth redistribution and fund the endless stream of liberal-voting immigrants that keep the left in power.

Canada is also home to many government-supported monopolies, with some of the highest costs in the world for TV, internet, and cellular services, among many others. Canada even has its own TV network, the CBC, owned and paid for by the Canadian government, used to dispense its propaganda!

This country has class consciousness and a socialist history (e.g., the French Revolution began as a socialist movement that later became more liberal).

France has the highest level of public expenses and taxes in all of Europe, with the highest rate of social expenses in the world (as compared to its GDP: 34%). It should be considered the most socialist country in all of Europe.

Possibly the poorest, but as wealth pours in faster, the economy improves.

Poor due to lack of money and rainforest bulldozing, but it functions better than the rest of Central America in terms of economic prosperity.

Literally a dictatorship run by the government.

One of the few socialist countries on this list.

This article is entirely propaganda, trying to get you to think these awful socialist countries aren't actually socialist so you feel better about yourselves.

The largest socialist country in the world, though trending toward national capitalism.

While ex-socialist, it is one of the few countries on this list that was actually socialist.

This country had a Communist party that implemented a form of socialism.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Again, in the name.

So many taxes (aka wealth redistribution) and so many Americans on government assistance. I'm surprised the USA is not the number one most socialist country in the world.

"There was a conviction that the socialist cause was a just one, and so wherever there were struggles against colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism, the Soviet Union would support those struggles and those causes, in the form of economic and military help. The economic assistance that the Soviet Union gave Nicaragua was invaluable." - Daniel Ortega

Since 1991, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice, based on socialism and left-wing nationalism, has been the sole legal political party in Eritrea.

Our government may own some of the schools and hospitals, and we may get free healthcare. But we are a capitalist nation, and a lot of kids only care about money. Also, Australians would tell you to shut up if you're a socialist.

Unfortunately, the government is slowly taking over Australia. If it's not already socialist, it is quickly heading down that road.

Portugal is one of the most socialist countries in Europe and consequently one of the poorest and most corrupt as well.

While this country is not really socialist, it does mention socialism in its constitution.