STOCKHOLM, (Reuters) – Sweden is the top contributor  to helping poor countries develop, considering its size, policy  research organisation the Center for Global Development (CGD)  said yesterday.  

 The Washington-based thinktank’s Commitment to Development  Index ranks 22 rich countries based on how their policies on  aid, trade, investment, security, environment, technology and  migration promote global development. 

Denmark was ranked second, and last year’s winner, the  Netherlands, tied for third place with Norway.  

“Sweden scores better than, for example, the United States  measured against its economic size and potential to help,” CGD  President Nancy Birdsall said. 

“But it is the United States, Germany, France, Japan and the  other economies that have the multiple linkages and potential in  absolute terms to make a difference for poor countries. Their  failure to use it to the fullest is a blow to the cause of truly  shared global prosperity.”  

None of the Group of Seven rich nations club make it into  the top 10.  

Canada ranked highest among the G7 countries, in 11th place.  France, Germany and Britain tied for 12th. The United States was  17th, Italy 18th, and Japan 21st.