In regards to rankings, in 2010 Google began using site speed as a ranking factor in their search algorithm.

FORBES: Ecommerce Marketing Checklist for 2013

Not only is how we finance health care an important factor that influences our freedom ranking, but our freedom ranking is also tied to health outcomes of great importance.

FORBES: Study Finds US Slips in Freedom, Health

But the single factor that can show dramatic shifts in ranking in a single year is selectivity.

FORBES: The Technology Revolution Changing College Admission