LONDON: Japan has the 15th highest level of social mobility in the world, according to a report by the World Economic Forum published Monday.

Ranking highest among Asian countries, Japan scored high marks for educational and work opportunities. However, Japan's rating was pushed down by low wages for workers.

Northern European countries dominated the top spots in the social mobility rankings, with Denmark coming first, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. South Korea came in 25th place, while the United States took 27th and China 45th.

Higher levels of social mobility mean higher degrees in the quality of opportunities given to citizens in a surveyed country.

The top 10 percent wealthiest people in the world earn some 3.5 times more than the bottom 40 percent on global average, the report said. It noted that while low social mobility increases inequality, an improvement in mobility will help bring about economic growth.

The report covered 82 countries, assessing the levels of mobility in 10 fields including health, education, technology and wages.

The WEF will host an annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, for four days through Friday.

JIJI Press