Some of this focus on rules and transparency has already rubbed off on fiscal policy.

ECONOMIST: Fiscal policy

President JONATHAN has established an economic team that includes experienced and reputable members and has announced plans to increase transparency, diversify economic growth, and improve fiscal management.

FORBES: Nigeria

Any successful plan has to share the hallmarks of honesty, transparency, and a commitment to stay the course and practice strict fiscal discipline.

FORBES: Will Choice Or Necessity Reduce Exploding Municipal Debt?

The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom, which is a joint project of The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal, ranked 183 countries based on 10 measures that evaluate such things as openness to trade and investment, government size, fiscal soundness, business and labor regulation, property rights, corruption, monetary stability and financial competition and transparency.

FORBES: Hong Kong Is Still The Best, China Must Do Better