Which Country Gives Citizens Free Money?

In Finland, a landmark experiment gives citizens a regular infusion of free money without strings attached. Though it has not been what the country hoped, the result is arguably successful.

A handful of countries worldwide are running basic income experiments, including one in Alaska that gives each citizen an annual check for being alive. The Covid-19 pandemic has given the idea a fresh lease on life as countries scramble to provide direct aid to citizens.

Finland

Finland is the first country to introduce a universal basic income scheme.  Moreover, the payments did not reduce the money people receive from other benefits.

Germany

Germany is a federal, parliamentary, and democratic republic in Central Europe. It shares borders with Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.

After World War Two, Germany regained its economic and political strength to become a significant player in Europe. Its commitment to remembrance and compensation for Holocaust victims is exemplary.

For example, Germany’s restitution measures range from compensating former owners and heirs for assets wrongfully seized during the Holocaust to making substantial financial contributions to victims’ funds and survivors’ pensions. The German government also provides access to documents about cultural assets stolen during the Nazi era from state archives, with an ongoing effort to digitize a steadily growing portion of these records.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a small country with a fast-growing economy, once a British colony. Its government is dominated by a ceremonial monarch appointing a prime minister.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) political coalition ruled Malaysia from independence in 1957 until 2018, maintaining power by manipulating electoral districts, appealing to ethnic nationalism, and suppressing criticism through restrictive speech laws and politicized prosecutions of opposition leaders. The BN lost to an opposition alliance in the May 2018 elections.

A period of political turbulence and realignment in early 2020 culminated in forming of a new governing coalition that included parties central to the pre-2018 regime. The current government has resisted governance reforms, and concerns about narrowing freedoms are escalating.

Ireland

Thanks to its lush green pastures, Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. It is also known for its Celtic culture, history, and renowned music.

In Ireland, a comprehensive healthcare system covers nearly 40% of the population at no cost. It also provides free maternity fees and child care until a baby reaches six months.

The country is governed by parliamentary democracy. The 158-member Dail (Lower House) and the 120-member Seanad Eireann (Upper House) are the main chambers of the Parliament.

Through its official development aid program, the government is committed to reducing poverty, hunger, and humanitarian need worldwide. The program is a central part of Ireland’s foreign policy. It works on behalf of the Irish people to address poverty, hunger, and inequality in the world’s poorest countries.

Australia

Australia is a liberal, democratic state that has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1901. It comprises six states and two mainland territories, with its capital in Canberra.

The country’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), maintains a stable money supply and avoids high inflation. It does this by buying government bonds from banks and pension funds — and by ‘printing’ its own money when necessary.

It has a parliamentary system of government, with each state and territory having its legislature (unicameral in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory and bicameral in the other states). Federal legislation can override state legislation in all but a few areas.