No. 1 Singapore
Few could possibly forget the now infamous Michael Fay caning of 1994. Fay, an American citizen who was arrested and charged with vandalism and theft, eventually received four lashes with a cane for his crimes. Another American, former football player Kamari Kenyada Charlton, faces a similar sentence for overstaying his visa. Singapore is well known throughout Asia and the world for its justice system, and the country ranked high atop the World Justice Project's 2010 index for its strong order and security (PDF). Its authoritarian government has a firm control of its judiciary, with a draconian criminal code, including mandatory death penalty for petty drug smugglers. But this island republic's methods, though arguably excessive, have a purpose: Singapore relies heavily on its tourism industry, and its image as a friendly, pro-business attraction for global investment is critical to the nation's economy. Global Top 5s is a monthly feature by RealClearWorld.com powered by Gallup's worldwide research. Learn more at Gallup.com.
